Supplies of chicken seem to be withstanding the strong demand from Christmas shoppers with one producer suggesting there is even a glut on the market.
But in the case of eggs the traditional surge in prices was on. At both Stabroek and Bourda markets, eggs were being retailed from $600 and $800 a tray, up from $500 before the holidays.
This is even while Edun's Poultry & Hatchery is supplying supermarkets and local markets at wholesale prices of $420 to $450 per tray, as of Wednesday.
As for chicken, whole sale prices bordered around $150 per pound and retail prices were as high as $200.
At Bourda, the average retail prices were $160 as of Wednesday. While at Stabroek Market, the average retail price was $200 per lb and imported chicken was at $180.
A report from the Commerce Division at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce showed that the prices of chicken remained steady at both Bourda and Stabroek market from last month at around $180.
But the ministry reported marginal price increases in all cuts of chicken at Nigel's Supermarket, Guyana Stores, Fogarty's, Bounty and at Bonny's as of this week.
On the other hand, Bounty Farm has whole chicken weighing 1.1 kg for $593 and cut ups under 1kg for between $140 and $250.
David Fernandes, assistant manager at Bounty Farm explained that Bounty does not have a supply problem. He noted that when other suppliers are unable to meet their demand, this puts pressure on them to produce extra. He also says there is not a national shortage of chicken.
Bounty produces 18 per cent of the chicken consumed locally.
Fernandes claims that prices for chicken increased earlier this year because of increased rice prices, a key component in feed. At Garib Farms, chicken was being whole saled for $150 and retailing at $165. One official at this farm noted that there is actually a glut of chicken on the market, so although their cost of production has increased their prices will not.
At Buddy's Farm, a manager, who did not give his name reported that the farm had no shortage of chicken. Chicken was being wholesaled at $150.
At Bourda, one chicken retailer was complaining about the low weight of the chickens sold by one major producer. In many cases the chickens weighed as low as 1.5 lbs. This retailer purchased over 400,000 lbs and only a few were above the proper weight. He said buyers are refusing to purchase the chicken, claiming that it is too bony. Chicken at this outlet was being retailed for between $170 to $180 per pound and a box of imported chicken for $6,500 per 33.07 pound or $196.