Rooster Sanctuary Warns of Backyard Chicken Boom Amid Rising Egg Prices
As egg prices continue to climb in Colorado and across the country, many people are turning to raising their own backyard chickens for a personal egg supply. However, Danzig’s Roost, a rooster sanctuary in Bennett, is cautioning that this trend is leading to an influx of unwanted roosters, overwhelming shelters and sanctuaries. Sanctuary operator Jewel Johnson says they are receiving endless calls and emails from people who unknowingly purchased male chicks, only to realize months later that they cannot legally keep roosters in their area.
Johnson explains that while feed stores sell both sexed and unsexed chicks, buyers often don’t realize that 20% to 50% of their chicks could turn out to be male, depending on the breed. Since roosters typically begin crowing at four months old, many owners are caught off guard and left with no legal place to house them. With sanctuaries already full, these birds often face grim fates, as municipalities and shelters lack the resources to take them in.
Beyond the issue of unwanted roosters, Johnson warns that keeping hens for eggs is not as simple or cost-effective as some might think. Raising chickens requires feed, heat lamps, coops, and ongoing medical care, making it a significant long-term commitment. Additionally, hens bred for high egg production eventually stop laying and require expensive veterinary care, further complicating backyard chicken ownership.
Johnson urges those considering backyard chickens to rethink their choices, advocating for egg-free alternatives instead. With overpopulation already straining sanctuaries, she worries that more birds will be left abandoned or euthanized. “When there’s an overpopulation of any kind of pet, the answer comes down to euthanasia, and I think that price is way higher than a carton of eggs,” she said.
