By Renee Pullman

Many have become interested in raising chickens in their backyards. Chickens are inexpensive to raise and feed and if you like eggs they can supply all of your needs. In the process you will find that these wonderful birds are friendly and make great pets.

Did you know that a healthy chicken (hen) can lay up to 300 eggs a year, give the chickens the weekend off and that is one a day. If you have four people in your household who each like to eat two eggs per day and likewise take weekends off from eating eggs then you need 8 chickens to supply your needs. When you figure the amount of coop space a chicken needs, 4 sq feet, this calculates to a 4X8 coop combine this with a little extra area and make it 4X12. This size is not unreasonable for most backyards.

Chicken coops can be quite expensive to buy and you probably won’t want to pay that kind of price, happily building your own coop is not difficult. There are decisions and considerations to make and if you have not raised chickens before you may not be ready to make them. The good news is that there are plenty of plans and information. These plans are easily available, simple, and will supply you the information that you need even if you have not raised chickens or any kind of live animal before.

So if you’ve caught the vision of raising your own chickens and agree that the coop size works for your yard then you are probably wondering what you need to design into your coop to provide the best environment for your chickens. Coop plans hold the answers for you. You will find that it takes only minimal tools and construction skills such that almost anyone can build a great coop. You will also find it possible to use materials that are surplus or used and these things also can provide big cost savings for you.

After settling on the size, based on 2 square feet per bird, and after you have decided on the style and located suitable plans, you next need to consider where to locate your coop. It should be in an area where it can get adequate ventilation and where it is protected from predators. For the best harvest of eggs your chickens should feel secure and happy. That is right, just like people your chickens work best when they feel their needs, security, food, and even a sense of happiness are provided.

Raising chickens and harvesting your own fresh eggs is something that many find rewarding. Build a chicken coop. Find the best plans and information, click the link or just visit http://www.squidoo.com/BuildAGreatChickenCoop.

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