A few weeks ago, the talk of sustainable and local eating methods was focused on urban community gardens. Now it seems as though the latest recession-spawned agricultural trend is backyard chicken coops. Families are taking to buying their own chickens (rarely more than $10) and raising them in their backyards as egg suppliers and unaffectionate pets.

El Pasoan egg-lovers can get in on this trend by purchasing their own chicks, which can last for about a decade and provide eggs that are conveniently accessible in their backyards.

Payless Feed & Supply

6927 Doniphan Dr
Canutillo, TX 79835
(915) 877-2162

The people who frequent this location purchasing chickens mostly buy them for their eggs, though owner Rebecca Harris says that about 20 percent buy them to eat them. She also says that people have the chickens in their backyards for about nine years before coming in to buy a new one.

People tend to buy four or five chickens at $1.95 to $2.50 each, and sold as young as three days old.

Northeast Feed & Supply

10410 Dyer St # C
El Paso, TX 79924-2776
(915) 821-0044

The chickens are at the steep, steep prices of $6 to $15. The chickens are sold after they are two months old. The store also includes coops for your egg-gathering convenience.