MARIEMONT, Ohio — Egg prices have more than doubled over the last year. Community members have been looking to the Isaac Family Farm for affordable egg options on local farms.
"We started raising backyard chickens when COVID started," Isaac Family Farm owner Eric Pierre Isaac said.
Isaac is molding minds at Cincinnati School for Creative and Performing Arts as a teacher Monday through Friday. He and his family sell and deliver fresh eggs on the weekends.
"So the same way I've been able to provide for my family, we aim to provide for the local community here in Cincinnati," Isaac said.
Isaac said there's a lot of work that goes into having chickens. He monitors their health constantly and said the chickens can lay up to 300 eggs yearly.
Mariemont Vet Jeremy Zola said there's a lot to consider when making the jump to buy chickens.
Some elements needed to have backyard chickens:
- Coop
- Preditor proofed area
- Feed
- Freshwater
- Bedding
- Permits are required depending on where you live
- Daily care routine
- Vet and constant health checkups
Watch the video below to see more about what it looks like to raise chickens
"Concerns with doing that certainly include the weather and predators, but also being outside can open them up to more infectious diseases," Zola stated.
Diseases like the bird flu have been top of mind. The USDA is looking for solutions to crack down on the spread.
More information on the USDA to combat the Avian Flu
Considering the current egg prices, Zola said raising your chickens isn't a bad idea.
"As long as they're educated and prepared for that, I don't think it's a problem," he said.
