If you want to build a chicken house in your backyard for fun and having some fresh eggs for breakfast, then you should start with a small chicken coop.
You may not be able to have large number of hens, but there are several advantages of starting small.
Here are some advantages of a small unit: 1) A small chicken coop will cost much less compared to a large chicken house.
The amount of material required will be much less and you may be able to use some of the material already lying at home.
If you have budget constraints, this is the best option.
2) Mobility is one more advantage you will have with a small chicken coop.
You can easily move around the chicken house in your backyard.
This will also give the birds a feel of the fresh ground to dig for worms to eat.
And in case you relocate it will be easy to move a small unit.
3) If you like to have pets but your backyard is small, then having a small chicken coop will fulfill your desire of having pets.
Since you will not have many birds it will not be very difficult to manage them.
4) A mobile unit will allow you to orient the chicken house to suit the weather conditions.
If it is very hot then you can move the unit to a shade.
If the climate is cold you can allow the birds to enjoy the good sunshine.
5) Another big advantage of a small chicken coop is the maintenance factor.
You will be able to easily clean the unit and keep it neat and clean.
Because of the small size you will be able to clean the unit more frequently.