Keeping home chickens as a pastime has continued to grow since the pandemic. But if eggs are the goal, remember that it takes planning and investment to raise the chickens and protect against bird flu. Costs might go well beyond the nationwide average of $4.15 a dozen that commercial eggs sold for in December.

Joseph Yoder raises chickens for eggs he sells at Shepherd's Market in Big Prairie. He warns raising laying chickens isn't all that easy.