by Eva Churchman
This is an issue in America at present because of the Biden administration ordering the destruction of 100 million chickens. I’ve looked up to see what the price is, and it seems to vary between $4.67 and $4.99 a dozen, it’s unclear if that is for barn or free-range eggs. Converting that to NZD at present that is between $8.20 and $8.80. Yesterday in New World Paraparaumu barn eggs were $7.99 a dozen and free range $8.99. If you have a gold card on Tuesdays you get five percent off. That means the price here is about the same
What is the excuse for the high price in NZ?
I have my own chickens which are free range in a large grassy pen.
I have tried to work out the cost of my eggs considering just food , rates on land , and excluding my time, original cost of the land they are on , cost of hen house , original cost of chickens , water supply and egg crates. I also spend time cutting up and cooking up vege and fruit scraps ( including banana skins).
My very rough conclusion is about 35 cents an egg. I don’t sell my eggs since in a built up area you are only allowed 12 foul per section . The extra eggs are given to family.
The yolks of my eggs are usually bright-orange because of the grass the birds eat. I believe it is healthier for chickens to be exposed to the sun as well. My eggs are also not dipped in chlorine to kill bugs which is a requirement for shop bought eggs
In the US you would need to know whether the hens are barn or free range. For me in NZ it is quite unnecessary to have chickens inside because of no severe winter conditions. However it is more work to have true free range chickens out on pasture.
America has a reputation for producing unhealthy food and a healthier egg is a factor you need to take into account.