If you don't raise your own laying hens or have never tasted a truly farm fresh egg then you have missed out on a delicious experience! The current condition of our economy is driving more and more American families to takes steps in becoming more food self sufficient. Some of the steps may include growing a small garden for fresh vegetables or raising laying hens for a source of fresh eggs. Both of these projects not only save money but also provide health benefit rich foods for your family.
If you are thinking about raising your own laying hens in an urban environment be sure to check with your local city or town to ensure that you are allowed to raise laying hens. If your city or town permits you to raise laying hens the next step is to provide your hens with a coop or shelter. You can spend hundreds or even a thousand or more dollars on buying a chicken coop or hen house. You can save yourself several hundred dollars by building your own coop. If you have some very basic tools and know how to turn a screwdriver you can build a hen house. Below is a photo of a chicken coop that I built out of reclaimed pallet wood in about 3 days.
I did not have any plans. I built the coop on the fly with features that I thought would be important. Rest assured that I am in no way a gifted wood worker or have any construction experience. If I can do it - Anyone Can Do It! There are numerous resources available on the internet that provide some really great
do-it-yourself urban chicken coop plans. Browse around and find a set of plans that you feel comfortable with that provides a predator proof shelter for your laying hens. Have fun and enjoy the best tasting eggs you have ever eaten!
