Are Locally Owned Chickens In Amarillo Producing Safer Eggs?

With the egg shortage going on around the country, many in Amarillo have started to turn to locally produced eggs. Some have even explored the idea of having their own chickens so they don't have to worry about it.

It seems people have decided that because they're locally produced and haven't gone through the processing many go through, it's easier to find, and safer to eat these eggs.

Get our free mobile app

Part of the issue is understanding WHY there is an egg shortage in the country, and it's not because the chickens aren't producing them. It's because of a bird flu outbreak.

To understand this a bit better, raw milk that is NOT pasteurized can possibly spread bird flu, which is part of the reason we don't drink milk straight from the cow. Does the same apply when it comes to chicken and duck eggs?

The one thing we know for certain is that locally owned birds, or sometimes referred to as "backyard birds" are just as susceptible to contracting bird flu as those owned by farms and others. In other words, it's not any safer to buy eggs from these birds than it is from the store.

There have already been reported cases of bird flu from these "backyard birds" as recently as January in Burnet County.

If you own your own birds, there are several different things you can do in order to keep them safe from bird flu and also keep the eggs safe for consumption, and right now, sale.

Things such as keeping them away from wild birds, not letting others handle them, and making sure you clean yourself thoroughly if you handle or visit any other birds that aren't yours.