A small business in Grand Junction is giving residents a fresh solution to the soaring cost of eggs. Desert Bloom Gardening is set to host an educational event called “Become an Egg-spert” on February 22, teaching locals how to raise their own backyard chickens.

Learning to Raise Chickens at Home

Raising chickens isn’t just for farmers anymore. Desert Bloom Gardening owner Isaiah Tyler believes backyard poultry could help residents gain more control over their egg supply.

“When I go to the grocery store, I’m tired of seeing the rise in egg prices as well as shortages in supply,” Tyler said. “There’s always a way for you to be self-sustainable.”

To bring this vision to life, Desert Bloom Gardening is teaming up with a local egg farmer to guide attendees through the process of raising hens. From coop setup to feeding schedules, participants will walk away with practical knowledge that could turn their backyard into a mini egg production hub.

Why Are Egg Prices So High?

Egg prices have been climbing for a while, leaving many consumers frustrated at checkout. There are several reasons behind the increase, including:

• Avian flu outbreaks that have led to the loss of millions of hens.
• Higher feed costs due to supply chain disruptions.
• Increased demand as more people rely on eggs for protein.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price of a dozen eggs jumped by nearly 50% in the past two years. While prices fluctuate, many shoppers are looking for alternatives—which is where backyard chicken keeping comes in.

Desert Bloom’s Expanding Vision

This isn’t the first time Desert Bloom Gardening has taken a unique approach to sustainability. The shop is already known for its urban gardening initiatives, helping locals grow their own food in small spaces. Now, they’re expanding their focus to include livestock education.

Looking ahead, Desert Bloom plans to partner with Chicken Grit Farms on March 15 for a workshop on regenerative farming practices. The event will explore sustainable ways to maintain healthy soil, reduce waste, and improve food production methods.

Event Details

For those interested in becoming more self-sufficient, the “Become an Egg-spert” event will take place at Desert Bloom Gardening, located at 445 Pitkin Ave, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22. With egg prices showing no signs of stabilizing, this could be a game-changer for families looking to take food production into their own hands.