Summary
Egg prices in the U.S. have reached a record high of $4.95 per dozen amid a severe bird flu outbreak that has led to the culling of millions of egg-laying chickens.
The shortage is compounded by rising feed, fuel, and labor costs, as well as increased demand and stricter cage-free regulations in several states.
Consumers face empty shelves, surcharges, and limited availability, with some areas pricing cartons at $10 or more.
Prices are expected to continue rising, especially with Easter demand.
I don’t like the focus on the culling of male chicks, sure it’s terrible, but how we raise and exploit the hens is such a larger moral travesty that that should be the focus. We also shouldn’t hope for hens to live for a decade. Currently existing hens who can be rescued sure, but the modern egg laying hen should not exist the same way certain dog breeds shouldn’t exist, we have selected them for our pleasure rather than their own health and livelihood.