Backyard barnyard: rising egg prices prompt hen hires in US

La Crescenta, United States: Stung by the rocketing price of eggs and US supermarkets rationing a basic breakfast staple Yong mi Kim decided to...

La Crescenta, United States: Stung by the rocketing price of eggs -- and US supermarkets rationing a basic breakfast staple -- Yong-mi Kim decided to get some chickens to secure her own supply in southern California.

While many people idly muse about backyard farming, for those not ready to take the plunge permanently, there's a solution: renting a henhouse, complete with egg-laying birds.

"I really want to try it out and see whether I like it or not," the Los Angeles-area resident told AFP as she took delivery of two chickens and all the equipment they need to live a happy egg-laying life.

"Some people I know have chickens at home, but it's a lot of work for them -- they had to adjust the whole garden themselves.

"So I think renting a chicken is a good start."