Rent The Chicken

What's in the box: A rental typically includes laying hens, a coop, feed and basic supplies set up in your backyard for the season.

Rent The Chicken is less a subscription box than a seasonal rental. Hens arrive with a coop, feed and supplies, so you can try backyard chickens without a long commitment. The site says the hens should start laying within days, and that is the main draw for families who want fresh eggs and a hands-on project. A separate five-week indoor hatching program suits families, classrooms and summer camps that want to watch chicks hatch. Service depends on where you live. The company works through a network of locations, so check whether one serves your area. Availability is also limited. The site lists only a few fall 2026 rentals and is already taking reservations for 2027, so plan ahead. The homepage does not spell out pricing, rental length or what happens when a rental ends, so read the FAQ and refund policy before booking. You can reach them by phone on toll-free, US and Canadian numbers, but the line is closed for non-emergency calls on weekends. This is a clever, low-risk way to find out whether chickens suit your yard and routine. It is not a box of goods shipped to your door, though, and you still need to feed, water and protect live animals every day.