Brand new to the idea of raising hens for eggs

[Renie]

I live in West Gardiner and, since I'm newly retired, I am determined to build a chicken coop or tractor this spring and have some chickens. I only need four or five since there are just the two of us. Any advice you can offer about best breeds and designs of coops would be most welcome. I live in the deep woods and have foxes, eagles, hawks, etc., so I'm thinking a tractor is the best idea -- what do you think? And since I'm retired, money is tight -- can anyone suggest a source for teenaged chickens that are just starting to lay? I might get into hatching eggs and raising chicks in another year or two, but right now I think I should not take on too much. So much learning to do!