TOP STORY OF THE DAY: Local residents talk about raising chickens, and selling eggs

Monday, January 30, 2023
Jim Smith and Kim Smith
Ivy Jacobs Photo

A bird flu outbreak, the high cost of chicken feed, and spiraling inflation costs have driven egg prices skyward.

With inflation affecting costs for farmers, distributors, and retailers all along the market, the high price of eggs will likely be over sometime soon.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2022, at least 46 million birds either died or were culled to avoid the further spread of the virus. The worst-ever US outbreak began in 2015, approaching a total of 51 million deaths recorded up to now.

Steve and Penny Keller
Ivy Jacobs Photo

With an average cost of a dozen eggs rising 59% last year, the cost of eggs classified grade A was even higher, with prices jumping almost 140%.

Locally, Clay County residents take to social media to complain.

So The Times staff requested local poultrymen to talk about raising chickens during tough times.

The 3 Stooges + 1
Ivy Jacobs Photo

JIM SMITH

Brazil

Jim has had chickens for years. He makes sure to follow the city ordinances so he can keep his flock.

Grace Prince and Rocky
Submitted

“There are chickens all over this town,” said Jim, who enjoys his company with the flock. “I give away the extra eggs to my daughter, Kim, and my neighbors.”

Jim says raising chickens is easy, but it can become expensive for first-time backyard poultrymen. Jim repurposed the items for his chicken coop instead of purchasing a new pen.

“I used to raise turkeys, but I got away from that,” said Jim. “I’ve got two guineas now in the flock. Something happens around here; they let you know about it. They are my watchdogs.”

Diesel at the Princes' coop, built by David
Submitted

When asked about the current “egg crisis,” Jim shook his head.

“Three years ago, it cost like .80 cents to produce a dozen eggs,” he said. “Now, it’s like $2 per dozen. It is like $15 a bag now for chicken feed. Eggs shouldn’t be that high.”

STEVE & PENNY KELLER

Rural Brazil

The Kellers used to raise goats, but after Steve had health problems, they decided to change gears. One day Steve told his wife he wanted to go to Rural King to buy chickens. Fast forward to now, despite a mink attack in one barn, they have a flock of 19. They gauge their chickens by a toddler, preteens, and adults.

“These are our babies,” said Penny, but she admits Steve takes care of the flock. “They get out, and he walks outside; they follow him like the Pied Piper. The chickens are so fun to watch. Each has their character.”

The couple raises chickens for use, shares the rest with family and friends, and even donates extras to the food pantry. However, they do have a motto about eggs. From the butt to the carton, the Kellers do not refrigerate the eggs when selling them because they will stay fresh longer for customers.

“I don’t understand why eggs are so expensive; even the Kroger brand is outlandish,” said Penny, who thinks the avian bird flu is part of the problem. “I think they want the money. Let’s do what we need to do now because nobody’s stopping them.”

During the winter, the hens lay fewer eggs, so there are fewer eggs to go around.

“We have had to turn people away,’ said Steve, who enjoys time with the flock, especially in the summer. “I like for them to be able to free range.”

Four Guineas are the watchdogs for the flock and are named The Three Stooges and Shemp.

“They are so goofy,” said Penny. “They open their mouths to yell and remind me of the old dinosaurs from Jurassic Park.”

The Kellers offered some simple advice for those looking to start raising chickens.

Please think before you do it: Make sure you have the time for them, a good water source, and enough warm living space.

“It could freeze, and they could die if you’re not careful,” said Steve. “You have to be ready to go all in.”

GRACE & DAVID PRINCE,

Rural Brazil

Grace Prince has always liked chickens and told her mom as a little girl, she would have her flock when she grew up. Grace has enjoyed having her flock for six years and selling the extra eggs on the side.

“I wanted to sell eggs and raise chickens since I was a kid. It’s just my thing,” said Grace, who loved playing with the birds as a child. “So, I got them, and I’ve raised them. They all have different personalities. They are so much fun. They are my babies..”

Grace has several varieties of birds in her tiny flock of 13, including Guineas, Golden Comets, Rhode Island Reds, and a young Silver Lake Horn Rooster. She enjoys the chickens’ company, but her husband, David, who has helped and supported Grace along the way, likes the eggs.

“It’s not that hard. The feed cost right now, though, is gone up really high,” said Grace about raising chickens. “If you get an automatic feeder, that’s easier than going out and feeding them daily, especially when you have a larger flock. I also have like a five-gallon waterer. That’s a lot easier to do. But, I like going out with them every day.”

She quickly replied when asked what people should expect as first-time poultrymen.

“Cleaning the Coop. The Coop gets really dirty,” said Grace, who shared a tip. “Corn cob bedding is the best. It really keeps it smelling good. That is the best tip.”

She also said joining a group of other poultrymen on Facebook can provide a great source of support.

“It’s great for whenever you’re starting. Because chickens can get sick or wounded, you’re like, What do I? How can I help?” Grace said. “Like if they get bumblefoot? They can help you with different things.”

Grace also urges people to think about it before jumping into becoming a poultryman because of the price of eggs, “It’s a lot more than you realize, but they are so much fun.”

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