Backyard Chicken Boom

Rising egg prices and shortages have driven a surge in backyard chicken farming, with millions of Americans looking for alternatives to supermarket eggs. With egg prices forecast to jump over 40% in 2025 and major retailers like Whole Foods reportedly limiting purchases to three packages per customer, interest in raising chickens at home is skyrocketing.

South Carolina mom Izzy Bates (@izebates) is one of 11 million Americans who are now raising their own chickens. Bates bought and built a chicken coop from Temu, sharing the experience on TikTok. “Best $200 I ever spent,” she told her followers.

Google Trends data shows that searches for “Temu Chicken Coop” have jumped 150% in the past 30 days, highlighting the growing demand for affordable coops and farming equipment. As more households explore self-sufficiency in food production, online marketplaces like Temu are playing a key role in making backyard chicken farming accessible and cost-effective.

Budget Coops Lower the Bar to Entry

Temu, the global e-commerce platform known for its budget-friendly offerings, has seen a surge in demand for chicken coops. While traditional coops from farm supply stores can cost several hundred dollars, Temu offers starter models for under $100, significantly lowering the cost barrier for first-time chicken owners. One of Temu’s best-selling coop models has surpassed 1,000 sales, while a popular incubator has exceeded 1,300 units sold.

Beyond affordability, Temu’s logistics model ensures quick delivery of large-ticket items. Customers have reported receiving their coops in under five days, allowing them to set up their backyard farms almost immediately. Reviews on Temu highlight the practicality of these coops, with customers praising their ease of assembly and cost-effectiveness.

Social Media Fuels the Trend

As backyard chicken farming gains momentum, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have amplified the trend. The hashtag #TemuChickenCoop has gained traction, with users sharing their coop purchases, assembly experiences, and first eggs. Videos showcasing the affordability and convenience of raising chickens have gone viral, further fueling demand.

In California, a TikTok user documented purchasing a Temu tube coop run for $150 to house his Belgium Liege Fighters, while another homesteading enthusiast in South Carolina showcased her Temu coop as she expanded her backyard farm. Meanwhile, services like “Rent The Chicken,” which allow people to temporarily house chickens before committing, have reported a 500% increase in inquiries.

The Costs and Challenges of Raising Chickens

While raising chickens may seem like a cost-effective alternative to buying eggs, experts warn that the long-term costs and responsibilities often surprise first-time owners. A single chick costs about $8, and a full starter setup—including feed, bedding, water dispensers, and heating lamps—can bring the initial investment to around $100 or more.

Daily care requires about 10-20 minutes, with a more thorough coop cleaning necessary once a week, taking 30 minutes to an hour. Feed prices have also risen, with a small flock consuming around $40 of feed per month. Over time, these costs add up, making the savings on eggs less clear-cut.

Predators are another major concern. Even in suburban areas, raccoons, foxes, hawks, and neighborhood dogs can threaten backyard flocks. A sturdy coop is essential to prevent losses, and some budget coops may require additional reinforcement to withstand attacks.

Will the Backyard Chicken Boom Last?

While the surge in backyard chicken farming mirrors past self-sufficiency trends, experts caution that it may not be a lasting movement. Similar trends emerged during the pandemic when interest in home baking and gardening spiked, only to decline as daily life returned to normal.

Chickens can live 5 to 10 years, but egg production slows significantly after the first few years. Some animal shelters have reported increases in surrendered chickens from owners who underestimated the long-term commitment. Additionally, many municipalities have zoning restrictions on backyard chickens, limiting the number of birds per household or banning them entirely in certain neighborhoods.

For now, Temu continues to experience strong demand for its coops and chicken farming supplies, reflecting the growing desire for food security and affordability in uncertain economic times. Whether the trend will hold or fade remains to be seen, but for many Americans, the appeal of fresh, home-raised eggs is proving hard to resist.