Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Coop Gear → howtowithdoc.com/custom-chicken-coop
Doc shows the new chicken coop build now that he is adding a second flock. He explains that there is a baby chicken shortage due to high demand. He also talks about more bird flu myths and Mexico's egg prices.
The current shortage of baby chicks can be attributed to several interconnected factors:
Soaring Egg Prices: The United States has experienced a significant increase in egg prices, with some regions seeing costs as high as $8.60 per dozen. This surge is largely due to a series of avian influenza outbreaks that have decimated poultry flocks nationwide.
Rise in Backyard Poultry Farming: In response to escalating egg prices, many consumers are turning to backyard chicken farming to secure their own supply of eggs. This trend has led to a substantial increase in demand for baby chicks. For instance, Tractor Supply Co. reported that in some locations, hundreds of chicks sold out within minutes of arrival.
Supply Chain Strain: The unexpected surge in demand for baby chicks has strained hatcheries and feed stores, leading to shortages. In some areas, customers have lined up before store openings, purchasing hundreds of chicks in a single day, leaving shelves empty for other prospective buyers.
Mexico Egg Prices: Mexico's egg prices tend to be lower than in the U.S. for several key reasons:
Lower Production Costs – Mexico has lower costs for labor, feed, and land compared to the U.S., making egg production more affordable.
Less Regulation – The U.S. has stricter regulations on poultry farming, including animal welfare laws, biosecurity measures, and environmental policies, which can increase production costs. Mexico has fewer regulatory hurdles, keeping prices lower.
Stronger Domestic Supply – Mexico is one of the world’s top egg producers, and a high domestic supply helps stabilize prices.
Different Market Structures – In Mexico, the egg market is largely controlled by domestic producers with less corporate consolidation, leading to more competitive pricing. In the U.S., large agribusinesses dominate the market, which can lead to price control and fluctuations.
Fewer Disease-Related Disruptions – The U.S. has faced multiple outbreaks of avian influenza, leading to large-scale culling of hens and driving up prices. Mexico has managed to avoid similar large-scale disruptions recently.
Lower Demand for Specialty Eggs – In the U.S., there’s a higher demand for specialty eggs (organic, free-range, etc.), which cost more to produce. In Mexico, conventional eggs are more widely consumed, keeping the overall average price lower.
Coop Gear → howtowithdoc.com/custom-chicken-coop
Doc shows the new chicken coop build now that he is adding a second flock. He explains that there is a baby chicken shortage due to high demand. He also talks about more bird flu myths and Mexico's egg prices.
The current shortage of baby chicks can be attributed to several interconnected factors:
Soaring Egg Prices: The United States has experienced a significant increase in egg prices, with some regions seeing costs as high as $8.60 per dozen. This surge is largely due to a series of avian influenza outbreaks that have decimated poultry flocks nationwide.
Rise in Backyard Poultry Farming: In response to escalating egg prices, many consumers are turning to backyard chicken farming to secure their own supply of eggs. This trend has led to a substantial increase in demand for baby chicks. For instance, Tractor Supply Co. reported that in some locations, hundreds of chicks sold out within minutes of arrival.
Supply Chain Strain: The unexpected surge in demand for baby chicks has strained hatcheries and feed stores, leading to shortages. In some areas, customers have lined up before store openings, purchasing hundreds of chicks in a single day, leaving shelves empty for other prospective buyers.
Mexico Egg Prices: Mexico's egg prices tend to be lower than in the U.S. for several key reasons:
Lower Production Costs – Mexico has lower costs for labor, feed, and land compared to the U.S., making egg production more affordable.
Less Regulation – The U.S. has stricter regulations on poultry farming, including animal welfare laws, biosecurity measures, and environmental policies, which can increase production costs. Mexico has fewer regulatory hurdles, keeping prices lower.
Stronger Domestic Supply – Mexico is one of the world’s top egg producers, and a high domestic supply helps stabilize prices.
Different Market Structures – In Mexico, the egg market is largely controlled by domestic producers with less corporate consolidation, leading to more competitive pricing. In the U.S., large agribusinesses dominate the market, which can lead to price control and fluctuations.
Fewer Disease-Related Disruptions – The U.S. has faced multiple outbreaks of avian influenza, leading to large-scale culling of hens and driving up prices. Mexico has managed to avoid similar large-scale disruptions recently.
Lower Demand for Specialty Eggs – In the U.S., there’s a higher demand for specialty eggs (organic, free-range, etc.), which cost more to produce. In Mexico, conventional eggs are more widely consumed, keeping the overall average price lower.
