chicken coop

There is a great mobile backyard coop called an "Egg-loo" for a small number of chickens.  You can get those online.

John Holbrook's farm on Route 53 in Bethel sells small backyard coops, too.  

A lovely woman named Judy is selling beautiful backyard coops at the Westport Farmers Market, too.  

Personally, I would take look at all of them, shop with a measuring tape, and then build something that worked best for me.  I have even seen old shed taken from the town garbage dump transformed into beautiful backyard coops.  

As for the birds, it depends if you want to raise your own chicks or buy them in fully grown.  The Central Connecticut Farmers Co-op in Manchester works with a fellow named Gary Proctor who has good stock of birds.  I would also suggest looking into preserving some of the heritage breed layers because you focus need not be in intensive production.

Good luck.  Great news that you are trying this project out!

Absolutely come over to our farm if you need any hands on chicken advise or experiences.  Our birds move in backyard pastured "chicken tractors."

Best,

Dina