The supply hit
Each major flu outbreak culls 5-10% of the US laying flock. Replacement birds need months to mature before producing. Until then, supply just isn’t there.
Why prices stay high
Eggs are inelastic — people buy them no matter the price within reason. Producers have no incentive to absorb costs when demand barely budges.
When it normalizes
9-12 months after the last cull, assuming no new outbreak. Switching to frozen liquid eggs short-term saves about 30% if the spike really stings.