Having dogs around will discourage most predators from getting near the place. Build sturdy chicken coops. Build the chickens living spaces free from gaps and holes. If the flooring of the chicken house is made from slats, install wires underneath to prevent predators from digging from underneath. Cover weak posts with wires to prevent them from biting through and lock up the chicken hutch without fail when the chickens are roosting in their coops. The hen house should be warm and bright, has enough ventilation, but no draft. Placing a dirt pen is also essential for the chickens for their dust baths. A roost is also required since hens love to sleep off the ground, and nesting boxes (you can use any pliable box) to store the eggs as they come. And finally, a water dispenser and a food tray must be set up so they could feed and have their daily intake of water. Benefits Of Keeping Chickens If you have decided to raise chickens or are currently keeping some in your backyard, familiarizing yourself about its benefits can be very rewarding. You might have your own ideas already, but it shouldn't hurt to expand your knowledge on the pros of raising chickens at home. For others though, the cheaper route is better as every cost incurred when raising chicken will always add to the cost of every head of chicken produced. Besides, there is really a definite satisfaction when you build and design your own chicken house. If the do-it-yourself chicken house is the route for you, the following will be helpful. Nowadays, people take a liking for chickens because of their domestic appeal, and many would even claim that they get a sense of kinship with their poultry, that same kinship people get from common pets such as cats and dogs. But before you entertain the idea of keeping chickens as pets, you have to check the local zoning laws in your area for the simple fact that some counties prohibit the housing of "farm animals". Inside the nest box, keep at least two inches of straw but if you could have wood shavings (pine is preferable) that is even better. If you could provide a chute where the eggs will roll after being laid, and collected at a separate place, the added cost of the chute will be paid for in terms of more eggs that could be used.