By Karen McBride
Published by Dunndeal Gazettes October 2021
https://dunndealpublications.com/2021/10/gathering-your-own-farm-fresh-eggs/
Over the last year, our daily lives have shifted. People began working remotely, eating out less often, and spending more time in the fresh air and sunshine in their own backyard. Having the extra time on the home front, encouraged many people to start vegetable gardens, fruit gardens, herb gardens, and some even began raising chickens to enjoy farm fresh eggs, right from their own backyard, and you can too!
Shell’s Feed & Garden Supply, Inc. has been serving the Tampa Bay area since 1961. The family owned and operated shop has all the supplies you need for gardening, farming, and feeding both domestic and farm animals.
If you have a green thumb and enjoy spending time in the garden, you will find a wide variety of gardening supplies and products including Earthboxes to grow herbs, vegetables, and flowers. These popular boxes are proven to grow healthy plants by doubling the yield of a conventional garden with less fertilizer, water, and little maintenance. Gardeners will find a variety of tools to make their work easier including spades, pruning knives, stirrup hoes, and more. To keep your lawn and garden looking its best, you can choose from an assortment of grass seeds, vegetable seeds, and fertilizers.
Raising chickens has become more common among homeowners in the Tampa Bay area, not only for farm fresh eggs, but also as a pest control (since they eat insects), and as a natural fertilizer. If you are considering purchasing hens, Shell’s Feed has everything you need to embark on your new adventure. An assortment of brooders, bedding, food, waterers, and heat lamps are available. Chickens are social animals and Shell’s Feed recommends purchasing at least 3 to keep each other company. Baby chicks are adorable, but keep in mind they do not start producing eggs until they are 5-6 months old. Therefore, if it is eggs you want, go for the older hen!
Rather than letting hens roam freely, it is best to have a coop for the chickens because it will keep them safe against hawks, dogs, cats, foxes, and other predators. A coop will also ensure you are able to find the eggs each day and replace their bedding as necessary. The expert staff at Shell’s Feed can answer any questions you may have.
Shell’s Feed is located at 9513 N. Nebraska Ave. Tampa, FL 33612. For more information, call (813) 932-9775 or visit their website at https://shellsfeed.com/.
