build to hold more than you intend to get....seriously, will save you time and money later! chicken math a real thing! i like to get chicks because all 30 of mine are pets. i have a handful that want my attention and WANT to be held and to sit on my lap when i am out with them..which is often weather permitting ...even in rain i go out and hang a couple times a day....i have some who tolerate my attentions and some that eat our of my hand but want NO physical contact! also i use nipple waterers i get from PREMIER 1 (online) that have tight fitting lids and the bottom recessed so you can set it down while filling. it keeps the water pristine. i clean them about once a month. the water is never icky, no algae, no dirt. so i teach them to use it as chicks tho they would get it watching the others when they get bigger anyway. moms will teach babies. if in a brooder then i teach them. they have little ones on the sight i use for babies to teach them. i do leave a 5 gal water container in hot weather so they are sure to drink a lot...just to be sure. i have 4 buckets for 30 girls. 4 nipples on each. that way i never fear they will be without...hope this helps...I did a lot of reading but with so much information out there i just seem to get more confused instead of informed. My question is: should i start with chicks, pullets or adult hens? These will be pets and egg layers. Next question is how many (I originally was thinking 8-10) My coop, being built now, will be 4'x8' and the run 8'x20'.