| More and more people are making an attempt to live | | | | looks of your yard are not that important to you, |
| healthier and more economical lives. One way to | | | | build something that adds to your property, rather |
| accomplish this lifestyle is by building your own | | | | than detracts. The design is important, as chickens |
| chicken coop. Not only will you be able to save | | | | prefer certain positions (higher perches, climbing |
| money by taking care of this task yourself, but you | | | | ramps, etc.) and keeping them happy and healthy |
| will reap the many benefits of having your own | | | | makes for better eggs and meat. |
| chicken coop. | | | | Third, consider features such as ventilation, lighting |
| While you can go out and purchase a prefabricated | | | | and insulation-as well as protection from predators |
| coop for yourself, building a coop is not that difficult. | | | | and elements. These are some of the most |
| Having the right plans and gathering the necessary | | | | important things to remember when building a chicken |
| materials makes the construction fairly simple; you do | | | | coop-you will be housing animals there that do require |
| not need to be a master carpenter to construct a | | | | plenty of fresh air, protection and shelter. The climate |
| chicken coop - just be able to follow some plans. | | | | you live in will have specific ramifications, especially if |
| Save Money and Build It Yourself | | | | you plan to house chickens year round. Carefully |
| Chicken coop kits are widely available and usually | | | | follow the plans for recommendations regarding these |
| contain most of the materials that you would need | | | | features. |
| to build a coop. If you prefer to save even more | | | | Benefits to Having Your Own Chicken Coop |
| money, then you should consider obtaining free | | | | There are many benefits to having your own coop. |
| chicken coop plans and gathering the materials you | | | | You are in control of the chickens and what they |
| need for the coop. You can often find used lumber | | | | consume, making for healthier eggs and healthier |
| (cheaper than new lumber) that will work just fine. | | | | chicken for you and your family to consume. While |
| When building a chicken coop for your yard, consider | | | | you will be investing some money into building the |
| several factors. First, location is critical. The coop | | | | chicken coop, the startup costs are truly minimal and |
| should be located on higher ground with good | | | | are easily regained in a short time, thanks to the |
| drainage. Remember that you do not want this | | | | food cost savings. You will have fresh eggs every |
| drainage to be running directly toward your residence. | | | | day, and, if you desire, you can breed the chickens |
| And, there should be enough distance between your | | | | and have a regular supply of fresh chicken meat for |
| home and the coop to account for noise and odors. | | | | your family at all times-without ever wondering |
| Second, be sure that the appearance and design that | | | | where that meat came from and how it was handled. |
| you choose does not create an eyesore. Even if the | | | | |