AL:
Congrats on your decision....most of us have the standard advise....build a coop twice to three times the size you think you want...my 1/2 acre fenced backyard handles about 15-17 on the free range thing...you will want to research breeds...Large Foul vs bantam, cold weather tolerant, breeds that bear confinement, egg color...what ever breeds you think you want, that will change(hint extra coop space).....Most of the folks will have chicks available soon if not already, but you might have to travel a bit..and will want to raise you babies in a batch..you cannot buy one or two at a time..my two cents....
I got my coop from a guy in quakertown....he was listing on CL...it was better price (and value)...
I'm in Elverson, PA (Berks/Chester Co), and looking for someone to build me a coop, or a local place that sells them. Any suggestions?