1st time Chicken Builder and Raiser

[JordanChicksAZ]

I am in Gilbert, AZ, we are looking to get a simple Coop design to build or an expensive one to purchase and guidance on how to get our first 3 chickens(2 silkies and 1 hen). We are looking for a smaller coop/run and only 3 chickens to start. I have a rock backyard with a large grass area so I am wondering if I also need to remove the rocks and put something else down now before it becomes difficult to clean. We will let them roam the yard as well during the day so I am hoping the run can be smaller.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Don't buy. You'll be ripped off and unhappy.
Use these links instead.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/chicken-coops.12/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/top-15-chicken-coop-mistakes.77127/

 

[3KillerBs]

Arizona has a challenging climate. You'll want to join your state thread here and get targeted advice from local people.

As for general rules:

The Usual Guidelines
For each adult, standard-sized hen you need:

• 4 square feet in the coop (.37 square meters)
• 10 square feet in the run (.93 square meters),
• 1 linear foot of roost (.3 meters),
• 1/4 of a nest box,
• And 1 square foot (.09 square meters) of permanent, 24/7/365 ventilation, preferably located over the birds' heads when they're sitting on the roost.

You're in a good place to have an Open Air Coop -- essentially a big wire box with a 3-sided shelter on the windward end.