Hey Don! Welcome! You'll enjoy your flock. Here's some suggestions:
Coop: build it bigger than you think you need. Plan on at least 4 s.f. in coop per bird. 1 s.f. of ventilation per bird, lots of natural lighting, and make that coop a walk in style. While the short coops (on stilts) are favored by some, they can be a night mare when it comes to ventilation, providing perch space which is above nest box height, but not too close to the ceiling. If possible, build your coop so you can easily section off an area for isolation of sick or new birds, a broody pen, or for new chicks. Having electricity in your coop makes it super easy to raise those chicks in the coop starting on day one!
Run: Even if you plan to free range, a covered run is IMO necessary for many reasons: Predator comes calling and decides to invite his friends to your chicken buffet. Your girls decide that they prefer laying their eggs in your yard instead of using the nest boxes you built for them. Your girls decide they'd rather camp out in the trees than sleep in their coop. Neighborhood dog or even a stray comes calling. Not only does he leave his calling cards on your lawn, but he helps himself to your multiple squeaky toys (aka chickens).
Also check out these topics: Deep litter management in coop and run. Fermented feed. Brooding chicks with a heating pad cave.
Coop: build it bigger than you think you need. Plan on at least 4 s.f. in coop per bird. 1 s.f. of ventilation per bird, lots of natural lighting, and make that coop a walk in style. While the short coops (on stilts) are favored by some, they can be a night mare when it comes to ventilation, providing perch space which is above nest box height, but not too close to the ceiling. If possible, build your coop so you can easily section off an area for isolation of sick or new birds, a broody pen, or for new chicks. Having electricity in your coop makes it super easy to raise those chicks in the coop starting on day one!
Run: Even if you plan to free range, a covered run is IMO necessary for many reasons: Predator comes calling and decides to invite his friends to your chicken buffet. Your girls decide that they prefer laying their eggs in your yard instead of using the nest boxes you built for them. Your girls decide they'd rather camp out in the trees than sleep in their coop. Neighborhood dog or even a stray comes calling. Not only does he leave his calling cards on your lawn, but he helps himself to your multiple squeaky toys (aka chickens).
Also check out these topics: Deep litter management in coop and run. Fermented feed. Brooding chicks with a heating pad cave.
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