High egg prices are pushing people to consider backyard chickens as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative. While seemingly a simple solution, raising chickens requires significant initial investment, ongoing costs for feed and healthcare, and dedicated time for daily care. Furthermore, local ordinances and neighborhood covenants often restrict backyard poultry. Despite these challenges, proponents argue that the benefits of fresh, high-quality eggs, reduced reliance on industrial agriculture, and the joys of raising chickens outweigh the costs and effort, making backyard flocks a viable option for some consumers facing inflated egg prices.
The website "WTF Happened In 1971?" presents a series of graphs suggesting a significant societal shift around that year. Many economic indicators, like productivity, real wages, housing affordability, and the gold-dollar relationship, appear to diverge from their post-WWII trends around 1971. The site implies a correlation between these changes and the Nixon administration's decision to end the Bretton Woods system, taking the US dollar off the gold standard, but doesn't explicitly claim causation. It serves primarily as a visual compilation of data points prompting further investigation into the potential causes and consequences of these economic and societal shifts.
Hacker News users discuss potential causes for the economic shift highlighted in the linked article, "WTF Happened in 1971?". Several commenters point to the Nixon Shock, the end of the Bretton Woods system, and the decoupling of the US dollar from gold as the primary driver, leading to increased inflation and wage stagnation. Others suggest it's an oversimplification, citing factors like the oil crisis, increased competition from Japan and Germany, and the peak of US manufacturing dominance as contributing factors. Some argue against a singular cause, proposing a combination of these elements along with demographic shifts and the end of the post-WWII economic boom as a more holistic explanation. A few more skeptical commenters question the premise entirely, arguing the presented correlations don't equal causation and that the chosen metrics are cherry-picked. Finally, some discuss the complexities of measuring productivity and the role of technological advancements in influencing economic trends.
Summary of Comments ( 563 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43108157
Hacker News users discuss the practicality and challenges of backyard chickens amidst rising egg prices. Some highlight the significant ongoing costs of feed, upkeep, and coop construction, arguing that it's not a cost-saving solution, especially for just a few eggs. Others mention the time commitment involved and the potential for conflict with neighbors due to noise and smell. However, some commenters counter that the benefits extend beyond just cheaper eggs, including fresher, higher-quality eggs, the enjoyment of raising chickens, and a reduction in food waste as chickens can consume kitchen scraps. Several commenters also point to the role of avian flu and corporate price gouging in the current egg market. Finally, there's discussion of alternative solutions, such as buying eggs directly from local farms or raising ducks, which are purportedly less susceptible to avian flu and require less care.
The Hacker News post "Egg prices are soaring. Are backyard chickens the answer?" generated a robust discussion with a variety of perspectives on the practicality and ethics of raising backyard chickens for eggs.
Several commenters pointed out that the cost savings of backyard chickens are often overstated. They cited the initial investment in coops, feed, and potential veterinary care, as well as the ongoing time commitment required for daily maintenance. One commenter calculated their cost per egg to be significantly higher than store-bought, even before factoring in their own labor. Another highlighted the hidden costs like dealing with predators, illness, and the eventual need to process aging hens. The consensus among these commenters was that while backyard chickens can be a rewarding hobby, they are unlikely to provide a significant financial advantage in terms of egg prices.
Others focused on the ethical implications of backyard chicken ownership. Some argued that small-scale backyard operations are preferable to industrial farming practices, citing concerns about animal welfare and environmental impact. However, other commenters raised concerns about the potential for neglect and improper care in backyard flocks, particularly as the initial enthusiasm wanes. The discussion also touched on the issue of rooster noise and its impact on neighbors, suggesting that urban chicken ownership requires careful consideration and responsible management.
A few commenters shared their personal experiences with backyard chickens, offering both positive and negative anecdotes. Some described the joy of fresh eggs and the connection with their animals, while others recounted challenges with predators, disease, and the emotional toll of caring for aging hens. These personal accounts provided a nuanced perspective on the realities of backyard chicken ownership, highlighting both the rewards and the responsibilities.
Finally, some commenters offered alternative solutions to high egg prices, such as exploring local farmers markets or joining a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program. These suggestions emphasized the importance of supporting sustainable and ethical food systems beyond individual backyard flocks. Overall, the comments section presented a multifaceted view of the backyard chicken debate, acknowledging the appeal of fresh eggs while also highlighting the practical and ethical considerations involved.