After almost 3 years on this website learning about chickens and talking about MI, gardening, and baking, this seems to be the year we will FINALLY be getting chickens!
I bought hardware cloth for the run, and we have some money earmarked for a coop built by some Amish nearby. Compared to building one ourselves, it won't be much more expensive (especially considering that it will be made out of MUCH better materials and made by people who know how to build stuff). I'm very excited, and putting all of my learning into action. Especially focusing on the coop and run and brooder before thinking about getting chicks.