I finally will have my chickens!

Congratulations!

Space is not something you can really give a "one size fits all" answer to, especially in the coop itself. There is a rule of thumb often quoted here of four sq ft per chicken in the coop and 10 sq ft in the yard, but at least in terms of their total space, I would think of that as a bare minimum to prevent overcrowding with its resulting problems. Certainly with that little outdoor space, they will eat all the greenery in short order.

A lot depends on climate. If you get heavy snowfall, they will stay inside unless they a have a snow free area such as a covered run. In a hot climate like mine, they only need breeze, and shelter from rain and sun, and will stay out except when asleep. They tolerate cold much better than heat, and even in the north, most people don't insulate or heat their coops.

If you get an enclosed building for a coop, it needs to be ventilated at or near the top, at the rate of about a sq ft per chicken. This allows humidity (the primary cause of frostbitten combs) and ammonia to escape. If you live where I do, a three sided shelter is fine.

Chickens need a wider roost than many birds as their feet don't curl around something small like a broomstick very well. A fat branch or the wide side of a 2x4 are fine. You should be able to buy feed locally at a farm supply store, as well as inexpensive feeders and waterers, or you can make your own. They will need starter feed, then grower, then layer around 20 weeks. I'd recommend the kind of feeders and waterers that look a bit like a hanging gallon jug for both. Set them up on a concrete block (or hang them) to prevent dirt being kicked into them. See our products section above.

That's a quick overview. There is lots of info in our learning center and coops section at the top of the page. Also check out the stickies (blue box) at the top of each forum. And good luck, and enjoy!