A Grand Junction garden shop is giving residents a hands-on solution to rising egg prices. Desert Bloom Gardening is set to host an educational event that teaches locals how to raise backyard chickens, offering a sustainable alternative to store-bought eggs.
Learning to Raise Chickens at Home
Egg prices have been climbing, frustrating consumers who rely on them as a household staple. Desert Bloom Gardening aims to change that with its event, “Become an Egg-spert,” happening Saturday, February 22.
Isaiah Tyler, the owner of Desert Bloom, is teaming up with a local egg farmer to provide a crash course on raising chickens.
“Every time I walk into the store, I see egg prices creeping higher. Sometimes shelves are even empty,” said Tyler. “This event is about showing people they have options.”
Attendees will get a step-by-step guide on:
- Choosing the right chicken breeds for backyard farming
- Setting up coops and providing proper care
- Understanding local regulations on poultry ownership
The idea is to make chicken-keeping more accessible, even for beginners.
A Bigger Movement Toward Self-Sufficiency
The push for backyard egg production is part of a larger trend. With supply chain issues and inflation affecting food prices, many Americans are looking for ways to become more self-reliant.
“People don’t always realize how easy it can be to raise a few hens. Chickens require some work, but they provide fresh eggs and even help with composting,” Tyler explained.
Backyard farming isn’t just about cutting costs. It also allows for greater control over food quality. Many store-bought eggs come from large-scale farms where conditions may not align with consumers’ ethical or health concerns. Raising chickens at home ensures eggs are fresh, free from unnecessary chemicals, and produced in humane conditions.
Local Collaboration for Sustainable Farming
Beyond this weekend’s event, Desert Bloom is continuing its mission of promoting sustainable living. On March 15, the shop will partner with Chicken Grit Farms for a workshop focused on regenerative farming practices.
Regenerative farming goes beyond organic methods, aiming to restore soil health and increase biodiversity. The collaboration aims to show how small-scale farming techniques can have a big impact on sustainability.
For those interested in making a change but not quite ready to commit to chickens, Desert Bloom offers alternative options. The shop provides resources on growing high-protein crops and creating gardens that supplement household food supplies.
Event Details and Community Response
The “Become an Egg-spert” event is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, at 445 Pitkin Ave from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Attendance is free, and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and connect with experienced chicken keepers.
Local residents have already expressed enthusiasm. “I’ve always thought about getting chickens, but I didn’t know where to start,” said one community member. “This event sounds like the perfect way to learn.”
With egg prices remaining unpredictable, Desert Bloom Gardening hopes to empower more people to take food production into their own hands. Whether it’s a few hens in the backyard or a small-scale farm, the movement toward self-sufficiency is growing—one egg at a time.
