As bird flu forces farmers to slaughter millions of chickens, reducing the supply of eggs, the national average price for a dozen reached $4.15 in December, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture expects prices to rise a further 20% in 2025. In some regions, egg prices have already more than doubled, and in others, store shelves are simply empty.

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,