Hatch your own. Why it matters: When egg prices skyrocket, more people in the U.S. consider getting — and even renting — backyard chickens. By the numbers: 11 million U.S. households have backyard chickens,

A shortage of chicken meat isn't on the menu for the U.S., experts said, even as eggs remain relatively expensive and in short supply nationwide. At least not due to bird flu-related shortages. Still,