You have your chicken house plans, your materials and your tools and are ready to start building.
But are you building in the right location? Just as in real estate, location is very important to the success of your chicken house.
The following five factors should be take into consideration when selecting your site:

1. Light: Your chicken house needs to be situated to maximize the available light.
   Make sure the windows face the sun so that your chickens will have a bright, warm home.
   To lay eggs, chickens need approximately 14 hours of light a day.
   
2. Protection From The Elements: To prevent flooding during heavy rains, build on slightly elevated ground.
   If high winds are a problem select a sheltered location.
   When selecting a location for your chicken house take into account the worst weather conditions for your locale.
   Make sure your chickens will be safe and dry no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.
   
3. Protection From Predators: In addition to building a strong, predator-proof chicken house and run, you can minimize the danger from predators by building near your home.
   This will allow you to easily keep an eye on your chicken flock.
   If you live on a farm, locating your coop near large grazing animals will also help deter predators.
   
4. Convenience: Locating your chicken house close to your home will make it easier to look after your feathered friends.
   Since chickens make good pets, they will be close by to keep you and your kids entertained.
   As an added bonus, if allowed to range free your chickens will keep your grass trimmed and get rid of pesky insects.
   
5. Room for Chicken Run and Expansion: If building a chicken run, make sure you allow sufficient room for this.
   Six to ten square feet per chicken is recommended.
   Also, if there is a possibility of increasing your flock in the near future, allow room for expansion.
   

Chicken coop plans provide excellent blueprints for the construction of your chickens' new home.
Take time before you start to pick the right location and your life - and your chickens' lives - will be much easier.