For years, Naeema Finley would get some pretty surprised reactions when she told people she was raising chickens in her backyard. A native of Las Vegas who now lives in Atlanta, Finley is known for her bold style—think elaborate fingernails and stilettos—definitely not the typical chicken-raising look.
“It was always like, ‘Oh, really?’” she recalls. “Not sure if they believed me, but they were definitely surprised. I know I don’t exactly look the part!”
It all started in 2020, when Finley got four chickens and built a custom coop in her backyard. Five years later, she’s now up to 17 chickens and produces around 5,100 fresh eggs a year.
What started as a way to avoid mass-produced eggs for her health has turned into something much bigger. “I didn’t expect it to grow this much when I first started,” she admits.
But now, she’s turned her chicken-raising hobby into a growing side business. The demand for backyard eggs has skyrocketed recently, as grocery store prices have shot up and a bird flu outbreak has killed or led to the culling of 13 million chickens. Chicken coop owners like Finley—along with others in Georgia, Florida, California, and Massachusetts—are stepping in to offer more reliable, cost-effective eggs.
Finley sells her eggs for $3 to $9 a dozen, and her customers don’t bat an eye at the price.
“It’s a lot of work to do it the right way,” she says, “but it’s totally worth it.”
However, there are risks, especially when it comes to bird flu. Kathy Whitman, a veterinary specialist at Colorado State University Extension, says the virus is a big concern for backyard coop owners. “It’s a big threat,” she explains, noting that the disease is common among wild birds and can easily spread to backyard chickens.
The key to protecting her flock, Whitman advises, is keeping chickens in secure enclosures—especially if the coop is near areas where wild birds gather, like waterways. Also, making sure to avoid bringing wild bird feces into the coop is critical.
“All the big operations that have had bird flu outbreaks invest a lot in biosecurity measures, and still, the virus can get in,” Whitman says. “Backyard chicken owners need to be extra cautious and consult with a vet if they have any concerns.”
Beyond the freshness of her eggs, Finley says there’s something special about the care that backyard chicken owners provide. “Mass-produced eggs just don’t compare,” she says. “Our eggs are fresher and, honestly, people can taste the difference.”
Last year, Finley expanded her business to offer chicken-raising consultations through her venture, The Royal Chicken Coop. What started as word-of-mouth egg sales to local bakeries, salons, neighbors, and a growing waitlist has blossomed into a full-fledged side hustle.
