Custom Chicken Coop Mexican Eggs and Bird Flu
Doc starts the build on the custom chicken coop for the new batch of chickens. He also explains that eggs in Mexico are cheaper for reasons different than you might think. Mexico has been implementing poultry vaccinations since 1994 but still had to battle new variants of the bird flu.
Chicken Coop Video
Some of the Chicken Coop Products Used
Quality Wire 16 gauge
Chicken Coop Automatic Door
Solar Fan for Coop
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.
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.