MADISON, Wis. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports the average cost of a dozen eggs is $8.07.

With the bird flu causing an egg shortage, Wisconsinites are considering an alternative way of getting their eggs.

What You Need To Know

  • Blain's Farm & Fleet in Madison starts its chick season Friday, Feb. 28

  • The farm supply chain ordered roughly 700 chicks, more than years past, to meet the growing demand

  • Employees said more people are starting their own chicken coops, in part because of how expensive in-store eggs have become

  • The cost of chicks has also increased. Blain's Farm & Fleet estimates a $0.20 increase per chick

Blain’s Farm & Fleet in Madison is preparing to receive its first order of chicks on Friday.

Department Head of Agriculture Phyllis Stoltz is making sure everything is in order ahead of the highly anticipated chick season.

“We’ve had a lot of calls. When are you getting your chicks? Are you getting chicks?” said Stoltz, who’s celebrating 35 years with the company on Wednesday.

One of her responsibilities is ordering the chicks. This year, she’s placed a larger order compared to years past to meet the growing demand.

“Couple years ago, Madison raised their limit from 4 to 8, and I’ve had people come in, ‘I’m so happy they did that,’” said Stoltz.

The store has purchased roughly 700 chicks to start. The chicks are sold on a first come, first serve basis.

Stoltz said more people are starting their own chicken coops, in part because of how expensive eggs are to buy in stores.

Madison resident Beth Hull stopped by Blain’s Farm & Fleet to buy some feed for her chickens.

“I love it, especially now because I don’t have to pay $10 for eggs,” she said.

Hull started her chicken coop last March, and while she loves it, she said it’s work.

“You have to get up with them. You have to let them out. I mean, you have to feed them, make sure they’re, you know, safe and healthy,” said Hull.

The cost of chicks has also increased because of the bird flu. Stoltz said it’s costing about 20 cents more per chick.

“So hopefully the demand will be high because I’m going to have a lot of them to sell,” she said.

Stoltz said owning a chicken coop is not necessarily a saving hack on eggs, but more so a hobby.

“They do taste better. They like to know where their food comes from. And you get families where it’s maybe a project for the children, you know, that goes to 4-H or FFA, or it’s just a fun thing for them to do as a family,” she said.

Hull said she agreed it’s fun, but it takes dedication.

Blain’s Farm & Fleet is expecting the first order of chick to arrive Friday morning. Chicks will be restocked weekly through June.

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