Egg Shortages & Price Hikes? Your Backyard Chook Solution!

Let's talk about eggs. Or more specifically, the frustrating sight of empty supermarket shelves where they should be, and the eye-watering prices when you can find them. Now, I’m probably not the one who should be complaining, as I have more eggs than I could ever use as the owner of Talking Hens. However, many of our new customers have felt the pinch over the past six months, and they are not alone. This isn't just a fleeting hiccup; it's a sign of deeper issues shaking up our egg supply.

This is why, Poultry industry veteran Reg Mills, with over 15 years of experience spanning government, industry advisory, and on-farm consulting, isn't surprised. "These problems are not a surprise," Mills states. "As we transition away from caged-egg production by 2036, I’d expect to see more outbreaks of avian influenza and resultant drops in egg availability."

So, what’s cracking the system? A major culprit is Avian Influenza (AI), or "bird flu." And understanding how it connects to your grocery bill can shine a light on a wonderfully rewarding solution: Keeping your own backyard chooks!

The Bird Flu Breakdown: Why Fewer Eggs Cost More

Avian Influenza outbreaks are a massive blow to egg production. When Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is detected on a farm, it's devastating. As Mills explains, farms are destocked, hens are culled (both for humane reasons as "the birds are going to die a terrible death – there is no treatment," and to prevent disease spread), and restocking can take many months, especially if the farm is in an infection control zone. "Eggs are a perishable product and the industry is finely tuned to meet demand without producing a surplus," Mills notes. "As little as a 1% decrease in egg production will tighten supply on shelves, but the 2024 avian influenza outbreak caused an 8% decrease and the industry has no capacity to immediately fill this gap."

But how does this keep happening? Here are some insights:

1 - From Wild Birds to Our Flocks – And a Nasty Mutation:

Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) naturally occurs in wild birds, particularly waterfowl like ducks. Reg Mills highlights this "wild duck risk," noting, "Due to the outdoor nature of free-range chickens, they are more susceptible to contracting LPAI because they have a greater chance of coming into contact with wild birds such as ducks." While free-range is a system many of us prefer for animal welfare (and it now makes up 60% of supermarket eggs bought in 2024 according to Australian Eggs), this increased outdoor access can be a pathway for LPAI. The real trouble starts when these LPAI viruses, often H5 or H7 subtypes, enter dense domestic poultry populations. These environments can become unintentional viral laboratories. The sheer number of birds provides ample opportunity for the virus to replicate and, critically, mutate into highly pathogenic forms (HPAI). This isn't just bad luck; the very conditions of intensive farming can facilitate this dangerous evolution.

2 - Australia's Changing Vulnerability:

While we've benefited from our “island” status, Australia isn't immune. We've had our share of HPAI outbreaks, mostly H7 strains that evolved locally from LPAI. Recent H7 outbreaks in Victoria, NSW, and ACT (now eradicated or nearing it) and a new, unrelated H7N8 outbreak in Victoria from February 2025 (ongoing as of May 2025) are stark reminders. Globally, the unprecedented spread of the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b, which has shown a terrifying ability to cross continents via migratory birds and infect a wider range of wild birds and even mammals, raises concerns. While this specific H5N1 strain hasn't hit Australia yet, its presence worldwide means we must be vigilant, as it changes the potential risk pathways.

3 - The "Fortress Farm" Paradox:

Conventional wisdom promotes super-strict biosecurity on large farms. While vital, some research suggests that when these "fortresses" are inevitably breached by a highly mutable virus, the sheer density and genetic uniformity of immunologically naive birds can lead to explosive viral replication and evolution. The system designed for efficiency can become incredibly vulnerable, leading to the massive culls that decimate supply.

Your Backyard Flock: The Freshest Solution to Egg Shortages!

Feeling a bit helpless reading all that? Don't be! While the commercial egg industry grapples with these big challenges, there's a fantastic, empowering solution for your own household: keeping backyard chickens!

Forget running-off to multiple supermarkets only to find bare shelves or balking at $10+ for a dozen. Imagine strolling into your garden for the freshest eggs imaginable. Here’s why now is the perfect time to consider joining the growing flock of Aussie backyard chook keepers:

• Beat the Price Hikes & Shortages: This is the big one! Your own hens provide a consistent supply of delicious eggs, shielding you from supermarket volatility. While setup involves initial costs, you’ll quickly see savings on your grocery bill.
• Unbeatable Freshness & Flavour: Eggs straight from the coop to your kitchen? The taste is incomparable. Plus, you know exactly what your chooks have been eating.
• Wonderful Garden Helpers: Chickens are brilliant at pest control (goodbye, slugs and snails!) and their manure is black gold for your veggie patch or flower beds (once composted).
• Entertaining & Educational: Chooks have surprisingly big personalities! They’re fun to watch, great for teaching kids about where food comes from, and offer a real connection to nature.
• Reducing Food Waste: Chickens can happily eat many of your kitchen scraps (with some important exceptions – always check what’s safe!), turning waste into breakfast.

Keeping Your Backyard Mates Safe & Sound (And Doing Your Bit!)

Of course, responsible ownership is key. While your small backyard flock doesn't face the same pressures as a commercial farm, good biosecurity is still vital to protect your birds and the wider poultry population:

1 - Wild Bird Buffer:

Minimise contact between your chooks and wild birds, especially waterfowl. Consider netting for your run and ensure feed and water aren't accessible to freeloaders. Your local Department of Primary Industries or Agriculture Victoria often has great resources.

2 - Water Purity:

Provide clean, fresh water. If using rainwater, ensure tanks are sealed. Avoid using surface water that wild birds might have contaminated.

3 - Hygiene Habits:

Keep the coop clean. Wash your hands and clean your boots before and after tending to your flock, particularly if you’ve been near other birds.

4 - New Chook Quarantine:

If adding new birds, keep them separate for a few weeks to monitor for any signs of illness.

5 - Know the Signs & Report:

Familiarise yourself with signs of illness (you can find lists on government agriculture websites, like the national avian influenza page). If you suspect Avian Influenza, call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 immediately.

The Future of Eggs: A Shift in Thinking?

Reg Mills warns, "What you’re seeing on supermarket shelves now could become the new normal." As Australia moves away from caged systems and grapples with evolving disease threats, the stability of commercial egg supply may continue to fluctuate.

But for your household, the future can be full of fresh, golden-yolked certainty. Keeping backyard chickens isn't just a charming hobby; it's a practical, rewarding, and delicious way to take control of your egg supply, reduce your cost of living, and enjoy a closer connection to your food.