THE NATIONAL EGG SHORTAGE:
What You Need to Know
Avian influenza is disrupting egg supplies across the country, but here's what's really happening—and why you can still count on Pete & Gerry's and Nellie’s Free Range to deliver the eggs you trust.
Check back here often as we'll be constantly updating information and resources according to the latest insights and futurecasting relative to avian influenza, and what it means for you and your family.
The Egg Shortage at a Glance
- In January 2025, 99.8% of laying hens lost were from caged and cage-free facilities*.
*Source: USDA - With fewer hens, the national egg supply has dropped while demand remains high, driving up prices.
- While Avian Influenza is a concern for farms, it does not affect the safety of eggs available in stores.
- It's uncertain how long these challenges will last, but we're committed to keeping you informed; unfortunately experts are predicting effects from the bird flu through the remainder of 2025.
What's Happening: Understanding Avian Influenza
Avian influenza (bird flu) is a highly contagious virus affecting poultry flocks across the country. While it does not impact the safety of eggs, it has led to significant losses of egg-laying hens, creating supply shortages and driving up prices. Here’s what that means for your eggs—and how we’re working to keep them on your table.
- Fewer hens mean fewer eggs—and rising prices at the grocery store.
- Large-scale caged and cage-free producers have been hit the hardest, leading to shortages and empty shelves.
- Smaller, more resilient free-range and pasture-raised farms— like ours—are working hard to keep eggs available, ensuring you can still find the high-quality eggs you trust.
The Egg Supply & Pricing Trends, Explained
Layer Hen Losses by State
Avian Influenza has severely affected laying hens across the country.
Layer Hen Losses by Lifestyle
More than 99% of Avian Influenza cases have occurred in caged and cage-free systems.
Urner Barry Commodity Price Index
Due to the significant effects of Avian Influenza since late 2024, pricing escalated, but began to stabilize in March 2025.
What the Experts are Saying: Latest News, Expert Insights & Industry Updates
"[Our] free-range birds, pasture-raised birds are getting access to the outdoors, which makes our model more expensive, but it also insulates it from some of the problems that you're seeing with that cage and cage-free supply model."
- Tom FloccoCEO of Pete & Gerry’s
"Between testing and safe food handling, any poultry being consumed from a grocery store would be safe in my mind."
- Andrew Bowmaninfluenza expert at Ohio State
University's College of Veterinary Medicine
"These two forces combined — tight supply and high demand — are directly causing the spike in wholesale prices we’ve seen recently. The volatility we’ve been seeing in egg prices reflects many factors, most of which are outside the control of an egg farmer."
- Emily MetzPresident and CEO of the American Egg Board
Industry & Policy Updates: What You Need to Know
Stay informed with the latest from the USDA and other regulatory agencies. We're tracking industry developments, government responses, and key updates to help you understand what's happening behind the scenes.
USDA INVESTS UP TO $1 BILLION TO COMBAT AVIAN FLU AND REDUCE EGG PRICES
YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT BIRD FLU, ANSWERED
$13 A DOZEN: SEE HOW EGGFLATION HAS LEFT CONSUMERS SCRAMBLING NATIONWIDE
EGG PRICES ARE FALLING. BUT THERE'S A CATCH
A THIRD OF AMERICANS REFUSE TO BUY EGGS UNTIL PRICES DROP AT LEAST $5 PER DOZEN
EGG PRICES ARE DROPPING. WHY YOU MIGHT NOT SEE IT AT THE GROCERY STORE YET
First to Do It Better, Still Doing It Best
Pete & Gerry's and Nellie's Commitment to Quality, Transparency, and Supply
Our free-range and pasture-raised eggs come from our trusted family farm partners, where hens have the space to roam free as nature intended. This thoughtful approach not only prioritizes their well-being but also helps reduce risk of Avian Ifluenza, allowing us to maintain a steady, reliable supply, even when other caged and cage-free farms can't.
How We Keep Our Eggs on Your Table
Navigating Avian Influenza: How to Find and Choose the Best Eggs
Shop Smart, Choose Sustainably, and Stay Informed
Stay Connected & Save on Your Next Carton
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