Still, a lack of eggs and steep prices may lead consumers to move to other cheap forms of protein, which could lead to consumer-induced shortages and price increases, one expert told USA TODAY. Egg-laying hens and broiler chickens – poultry raised for meat – are different,

In other words: Chicken prices have remained stable because broiler producers have had an easier time keeping up with demand. Egg-laying chickens have fared much worse, accounting for more than 75 percent of all the birds affected by the outbreak between Feb. 8, 2022, and Jan. 29.

Egg customers concerned about empty shelves and rising prices at the supermarket can try their hand at getting eggs out of their own backyard with Rent a Chicken.