Not dumb questions at all. You are learning and you have to start somewhere. Most people recommend 4sq ft per chicken. Some people put their nesting boxes on the floor. In most of my pens I have my nesting boxes 2-3 ft off the ground. I think if you had a large fenced in area 16 s ft would be fine. I would recommend putting food and water outside, if it is going to be that small though. Because the coop will basically just be a place for them to lay eggs and sleep. Other than that they most likley will be outside.
