If you looking to build a chicken pen, you should know that it does not have to be a tough, endless project.  Chicken pens, like other home projects, can become a problem without the proper planning process.  Therefore, I have gathered up some important facts that you may not have known about chickens and the process of building a chicken pen.  Here are some things everyone should know when it comes to building chicken coops.

What a Chicken Pens should NOT do:

•   Consume your life
•   Cost excessive amounts of money
•   Take you an entire season to complete

What a Chicken Pen SHOULD include:

•   Design
•   Protection
•   Ventilation
•   Lighting

These are just  few of the very important things that go into buiding a chicken coop, both of which should be taken very seriously before you begin your project.  If those are some certain factors that go into building chicken pens, and these are a few things that you may not have known about raising chickens.  Maybe you realize what goes into building a chicken pen, but do you know what goes into raising chickens?  Below is a list of common things people often overlook until they have their coop all set up and their new pets already home.

•   You can expect to see ONE egg from each hen each day, if they are healthy.
•   You can expect to see your hen lay eggs starting at about 6 months old.
•   Just like people, chickens have their own personalities and do not always get along.
•   Roosters are loud and they do not stop crowing after the morning sunrise.
•   You do not need a rooster to lay eggs.
•   A chicken can fly, and will.  Chickens can not fly for long distances, but they can fly and they can get up into the trees.
•   Every chicken will go to the bathroom in their food if possible.

Well if that didn’t turn you off and your still interested in building a chicken pen, you should definitely look into a good source for a decent set of plans.  A good set of plans can be found online, some will cost a little money, and some will be free.  If you do opt to go with a free set of plans to save some money, make sure they include the important items discussed, to avoid any problems in the future.

If you’re still a little concerned and have a few more questions, check out Building a Chicken Coop for more information on building a chicken pen, and raising chickens as pets.  Happy Egg-laying!