If you are raising chickens in your backyard and you just let them move freely on their own there is a big chance that you already lost some of them to predators.
Chickens are attractive to hawks, foxes, dogs, rodents and snakes.
If left free to run around they become easy prey.
This is why a lot of chicken growers prefer to keep them is a structure so that they can be kept safe against attacks of predators.
Building a chicken house is very practical because it is easy to do.
Besides, being a controlled set-up you can ensure health and safety.
You can also prevent doing harm to the environment.
You have two options in building a chicken house in your backyard.
You can choose to have a fixed chicken coop or you can go for a portable chicken coop.
If you choose to have a fixed chicken coop - the first thing that you have to decide on is where you are going to put it.
You have to choose a spot where the chickens can get proper ventilation.
If the place is too stuffy, the chickens may get suffocated.
However you also have to avoid locations where the wind can be too strong.
Chickens have to be protected from wind drafts.
Always remember that drafts are fatal.
The location that you will choose should also be near a water source.
This is not only for their drinking needs.
Chicken coops should also be cleaned regularly.
If wastes accumulate, they could get diseases like coccidiosis and roundworms.
It could also lead to air pollution.
You wouldn't want to smell animal manure everyday, would you? Surely you wouldn't also want your neighbors complaining.
Lastly, you would need to select a location - that will lessen if not totally prevent attacks of predators.
It would be very helpful if your chicken coop will be placed in an area with fence.
This would ward off a lot of predators.
If you choose to have a portable chicken coop - you have the option to transfer it from one place to another depending on the time of the day or where natural source of food is.
Selecting a suitable location is not really a problem.
What you need to focus on are these requirements.
The chicken coop should be easily moved by hands.
It should be made of materials that are lightweight.
PVC pipes are good frames because they are not as heavy as wood.
They are also cheaper.
It should ensure that the chickens do not get injured during transfers.
Ends of wires should be properly wound so as not to hurt the chickens.
It should be stable enough so that it will not be blown away when strong winds pass.
It should be sturdy enough to prevent damage during transfers.