Shell-Shocked: Why Eggs Are So Pricey in Australia Right Now

If you've wandered down the supermarket aisle lately and found yourself blinking at the price of a dozen eggs, you're definitely not alone. It’s not just your imagination — eggs have gotten a whole lot more eggspensive in 2025.

Gone are the days when you could throw a carton of eggs into your trolley without a second thought. Now, with prices soaring and shelves sometimes looking a little bare, you might be wondering: what’s going on with eggs in Australia right now? And more importantly, when will things go back to normal?
 

Let’s crack this one open and take a look.

How Much Have Egg Prices Gone Up?
First, let’s talk numbers — but don’t worry, we’ll keep it simple.

In late 2024, egg prices jumped by around 11%, and by early 2025, they had climbed even higher — sitting about 12% more expensive than they were this time last year. To put it plainly: if you were paying $4.50 for a dozen caged eggs a few years ago, you're probably paying close to $6.00 or even $6.50 now.

And if you prefer free-range or organic eggs? You might be looking at $7 to $9 a carton. No wonder a lot of Aussie families are feeling the pinch at breakfast time.

Some supermarkets have even had to limit how many cartons you can buy, because supply just isn’t keeping up with demand.

So...Why Have Egg Prices Gone Up So Much?
As with most things in life, there’s no one simple answer. It’s more like a few big problems that hit all at once. Let’s break it down:

1. Bird Flu Wiped Out a Lot of Hens
One of the biggest reasons for the shortage is something farmers dread — avian influenza, also known as bird flu.

In 2024, several outbreaks hit farms across Victoria, New South Wales, and the ACT. The government had no choice but to cull over 1.8 million chickens to stop the disease from spreading. That's about 10% of Australia's national flock gone in just a few months.

And here’s the thing: even if you replace the birds straight away, it takes months for young hens to mature enough to start laying eggs. So between mid-2024 and now, there simply haven’t been enough laying hens to meet Australia’s needs.

2. Aussies Are Eating More Eggs Than Ever
At the same time as all these supply problems, demand for eggs has stayed strong — and even gone up a little.

With the cost of meat skyrocketing too, lots of families are turning to eggs as an affordable, easy protein. Australians already eat around 250 to 260 eggs per person per year, one of the highest rates in the world.

More and more Aussies are even starting to raise their own backyard chickens to beat the shortages — a fun and surprisingly rewarding way to guarantee a steady supply of fresh eggs right at home.

3. Feed and Farming Costs Are Higher
It’s not just about the chickens either. The cost of raising hens has gone up across the board.

Grain prices (which farmers use to feed chickens) have climbed thanks to global supply issues, and farmers are also paying more for transport, packaging, fuel, insurance, and labour.

One farmer recently mentioned his insurance costs alone had jumped 12%, forcing him to raise his egg prices by 8% just to stay in business.

When it costs more to produce an egg, it costs more for shoppers at the checkout. It’s as simple as that.

4. The Push for Cage-Free Eggs
There's also a quiet shift happening across Australia’s farms: the move toward cage-free eggs.

Battery cages are being phased out, with a complete ban by 2036. Supermarkets have committed to selling more cage-free eggs, and many farms are upgrading their facilities.

It’s a great move for animal welfare, but it also means higher setup costs and temporary drops in supply as farmers adjust — adding even more pressure on egg availability and prices.

5. A Bit of Panic Buying Didn't Help
Finally, let’s be honest: when something starts running low, people panic.

Supermarkets have seen egg hoarding from time to time — shoppers grabbing two, three, or four cartons when they find them — making shortages look even worse.

It’s human nature, but it hasn’t made life any easier for regular buyers trying to pick up a simple dozen for the week.

When Will Egg Prices Come Down?
Here’s the good news: there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

Egg farmers have been working hard to rebuild their flocks, and the national supply is expected to improve by mid to late 2025. If all goes smoothly, we should see more eggs on shelves and a little relief at the checkout by the end of the year.

But experts say prices may never drop all the way back to the cheap prices we remember from a few years ago. The cost of producing eggs is just higher now — better welfare standards, higher feed prices, and tougher biosecurity measures are part of the new normal.

Thinking About Raising Your Own Chickens? 

If you’re tired of paying too much for eggs — or wondering if you’ll even find them in stock next week — why not take matters into your own hands?

Raising backyard chickens is easier than you might think, and it’s one of the best ways to guarantee yourself a steady supply of fresh, healthy eggs all year round.

But the benefits don’t stop there:

• Save Money Over Time: Once you’re set up, you’ll spend a lot less per egg compared to supermarket prices.
• Know Exactly What Your Chickens Are Eating: Healthier hens mean healthier eggs — no mystery ingredients or chemicals.
• Less Food Waste: Chickens love kitchen scraps! They’ll happily gobble up veggie peels and leftovers, reducing your household waste.
• Great for Kids and Families: Raising chickens teaches responsibility, patience, and where our food really comes from.
• Natural Pest Control: Chickens love scratching around and eating bugs — helping to keep your backyard healthier without chemicals.
• Compost Boosters: Chicken manure is fantastic for the garden — giving your veggies a natural nutrient boost.

We offer a full range of chicken coops, from compact backyard models to large walk-in coops perfect for bigger flocks. Our coops are built to last and designed to give your chickens a safe, comfy home — and make egg-collecting a daily joy.
Click here to browse our range of chicken coops and start your backyard egg adventure today!