Experts Advise This Effective Way To Get Better Egg Prices in MT

BUTTE, MT - Montanans have always prided themselves on their resilience, but even the toughest among us are feeling the sting of grocery store prices—especially when it comes to eggs.

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What used to be a staple found on nearly every breakfast plate, baked good, and protein-packed meal has become an unpredictable expense, fluctuating wildly from week to week.

But why have eggs become so expensive? And is there a way to beat the rising costs without cutting eggs from your diet altogether?

As it turns out, many Montanans are already discovering the solution—one that harks back to a simpler, more self-sufficient way of life.

Cracking the Egg Price Mystery

Egg prices in Montana have skyrocketed in recent years due to a combination of factors.

According to the USDA, the national average price of a dozen eggs more than doubled in 2024, and  they have remained volatile.

In Montana, egg prices still hover well above what many consumers are used to paying (I myself just bought a dozen eggs for $10), and there’s no guarantee that costs won’t spike even higher.

The Factors Driving Up Prices

1. Avian Influenza Outbreaks – The biggest culprit behind egg price volatility has been the ongoing impact of avian flu. The disease has wiped out millions of laying hens across the country, leading to egg shortages and price spikes.
2. Feed and Transportation Costs – The rising cost of corn and soybeans, which make up the bulk of chicken feed, has driven up expenses for egg producers. Factor in increased fuel and transportation costs, and the end result is a much pricier egg at the grocery store.
3. Supply Chain Issues – Supply chain disruptions in recent years have made it harder for egg suppliers to meet demand consistently, causing price fluctuations that are often felt more acutely in rural areas like Montana.
4. Increased Demand – Even as supply issues persist, demand for eggs remains strong. Whether it’s due to changing consumer habits or the rising popularity of protein-rich diets, the continued high demand means prices are unlikely to return to pre-2020 levels anytime soon.

With all these factors in play, it’s no wonder Montanans are looking for ways to take control of their egg supply.

And for many, the answer is as simple as stepping outside and collecting them fresh from their own backyard.

A Backyard Solution: Raising Your Own Chickens

While store-bought eggs may be unreliable in price and availability, backyard chickens offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative.

More and more Montanans are embracing the idea of keeping their own flock, ensuring a steady supply of fresh eggs while also reducing dependence on commercial producers.

How to Build Your Own Chicken Coop in Montana: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up a backyard flock requires an initial investment, but the long-term savings—and the unbeatable freshness of homegrown eggs—make it well worth it.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Plan Your Space and Choose Your Flock Size

• Chickens need a safe, enclosed area to live in. A good rule of thumb is at least 5 square feet per bird inside the coop and about 10 square feet per bird in the run.

• Most backyard chicken keepers start with 3–6 hens, which can provide a household with 12–30 eggs per week.

2. Build a Secure Coop

Your chicken coop should include:

• A sturdy frame made of wood or metal to withstand Montana’s tough weather.

• Nesting boxes (one per three hens) where your chickens will lay eggs.

• Perches for roosting at night.

• Ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and illness.

• A predator-proof design with strong fencing and locks to keep out foxes, raccoons, and other threats.

3. Set Up Food, Water, and Bedding

• Feed: Laying hens require a balanced diet rich in protein, which can be provided through store-bought chicken feed or supplemented with kitchen scraps and garden greens.

• Water: Chickens need a constant supply of fresh water, even in the winter—heated waterers can help prevent freezing.

• Bedding: Straw, wood shavings, or sand work well for maintaining cleanliness and warmth inside the coop.

4. Initial Investment vs. Long-Term Savings

While getting started requires some upfront costs, many backyard chicken owners find the investment pays for itself within a year.

Compared to paying $5–$7 per dozen at the store, backyard eggs can quickly become the more affordable option, especially for households that go through multiple dozens a week.

A Future-Proof Egg Supply

With the unpredictability of egg prices and food supply chains, raising backyard chickens is more than just a cost-saving measure—it’s a step toward greater self-sufficiency.

In a state like Montana, where rural living and DIY solutions are part of the culture, it’s no surprise that more residents are turning to chicken coops as a long-term answer to the egg crisis.

For those tired of paying ever-increasing prices at the store, now might be the perfect time to take control of your own egg supply. And as many Montana chicken owners will tell you—there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of collecting fresh eggs from your own backyard.