Egg prices jumped more than 15% in January from a year ago, with a carton of eggs costing Americas roughly $4.95. Producers blame it on the bird flu that has forced them to euthanize millions of chickens. With no relief expected anytime soon, some consumers are now willing to rent chickens. One company — Rent the Chicken — rents their chickens out for 6 months at a time. With the rental price $500 for 6 months, it’s more about food security than saving money. Founded 12 years ago, Rent the Chicken provides customers with two egg-laying hens, a portable chicken coop, up to 200 pounds of feed, food and water dishes, and a book on the care of chickens. Within two days of arrival, the chickens are ready to lay eggs. Homegrown eggs have one-third the cholesterol, one-fourth of the saturated fat, and two times more omega three fatty acids than store-bought eggs. Customers can schedule a date on the website or over the phone and the company will bring out the chickens and supplies. The chickens are also available for adoption if the customer realizes they want to keep them at the end of the rental period.
