Consumers are beyond frustrated about the U.S. egg shortage that has sent prices through a continuous string of new record highs. Some are taking matters into their own hands by keeping their own backyard chickens. But for those that want to test the waters before fully committing to a flock, “Rent The Chicken” is a welcome alternative. I thought this also might spark a few business ideas for some of our farm families…
Founded in 2013 by Phil and Jenn Tompkins, Rent the Chicken was inspired by a list of “crazy business ideas,” which included a chicken rental company. Phil Tomkins didn’t think it was so crazy, though, and thought something along the same lines could provide him and his wife a little extra income. The pair already had their own backyard flock at home in Freeport, Pennsylvania.
Phil pitched the idea of renting the chickens along with hutches – which they would build themselves – to his wife. “She said, ‘I know how to use power tools, and that’s how Rent The Chicken was hatched,” Phil told Lancaster Farming in an interview. Lancaster Farming also notes that Phil “unconsciously — and unapologetically — peppers his speech with “egg-cellent” chicken “yolks” and puns.”
They started out by testing the idea with one rental that went well and learned where they needed to refine their approach. The goal for the first full season in 2014 was to rent out 15 coops but the Tompkins ended up delivering 48. While the success was welcome, it also created a new problem – having enough chickens to rent.
That got the Tompkins into the hatching business, but again as a rental program. People can rent a chick hatchery, and the Tompkins turn around and use those chickens in the rental program.
Rent the Chicken also partners with farmers in the U.S. and Canada, which has now grown to over 45 affiliate farmers and homesteaders offering Rent the Chicken as an extension of their operation. Affiliates must pay to join Rent the Chicken and purchase the supplies and materials to build coops. The organization does guarantee each affiliate a 50-mile radius in all directions to avoid “competition among ourselves.”
For those interested in renting, prices for a 5 to 6-month rental period start at around $500, though it varies by location – the service is available in 23 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces. The one-time fee for standard packages includes two hens, a chicken coop, feed and water dishes, and food for the entire rental period.
If a hen dies, Rent the Chicken will replace the chicken free of charge, so long as the loss wasn’t due to neglect. The organization also provides renters with full support in case of illness and low-fee chicken sitting services to customers who will be away for more than the recommended three days.
At the end of the rental period, Rent the Chicken will pick up the hens and all the supplies. However, they’ve found that a large majority of customers choose to keep their hens, either by extending the rental or adopting them. For those that choose to adopt, Rent the Chicken lets them keep everything – the chickens, coop, and their supplies – for an additional fee, which varies depending on the setup. They have several flexible options. Learn more about Rent the Chicken at the website HERE.
