When you have decided to keep a small flock of chickens in your backyard, or even a large flock out in the country, the first thing you are going to need is a good solid hen house, or chicken coop as it is often called.
There are some excellent ready built coops on the market which will serve your purpose very well.
The only disadvantage is their high price.
A decent chicken coop can run from hundreds to over $1000, and more if you are looking for a big one.
You can have it delivered and set up in your backyard immediately, if you don,t mind paying this high cost.
The really attractive alternative is to save a great deal of money by building a chicken coop from professionally drawn plans.
Don,t for a moment think of cobbling together a makeshift chicken house without a good plan to work from.
You will more than likely end up with a poor quality chicken coop which is not built well enough to withstand the weather or to keep out predators, which will kill your poultry.
A good set of plans with complete illustrated building instructions is worth its weight in gold.
If you can use a saw and a hammer and nails you can build a great chicken house.
If you are totally incapable of this, then for sure you have a family member or friend who can help you to get it done.
There are some really good plans available on the internet.
Some of them come with videos as well as illustrated instructions.
This really helps in building your poultry house.
In addition some plans include a range of bonus items with your purchase.
We got a really good lot of chicken keeping information books with our plans.
You will find it relatively easy to build from these plans.