[Vigilanteman]

Actually, if you keep a reasonable number of chickens for the space allotted, they are a great idea. A rooster with 3-5 hens in typical 1/5th acre suburban lot keeps the insect pest count down, creates minimal mess and creates significant noise only during the daylight hours, unlike a yappy dog.

The rooster is optional if the neighborhood has noise ordinances. But I find a melodic crow when I should be getting out of bed anyway far preferable to incessant barking.

The egg production is just a nice bonus to the sheer enjoyment these feathered creature will give you.

[dragnet2]

I speak to rural folks all over the country. Most all say for personal use, having chickens for eggs is a waste of time, effort and money. Better just buy the eggs.

[Aria]

Last weekend I was at my nephew’s house in Carlsbad, CA. A very nice place. I could hear the chickens outside the guest room...bawk, bawk, bawk, bawk. Almost surreal to be in this fairly elegant place and look out and see chickens roaming. It was very pleasant - sort of French country in a way. There are about 6 hens and no roosters.

[donna]

Chickens and dogs in a small back yard with two tiny houses built for additonal bedrooms I think, and half the front yard paved for 6-7 cars, trucks and a front loader. Plus, a front porch cover made of lumber and garden shade cloth across the street.