[dragnet2]

Actually chickens are a bad idea unless it’s a commercial venture. The expense, mess, cleanup, upkeep etc isn’t worth it based on the fact eggs are relatively cheap if that’s what ya want.

[Aria]

My relatives are happy with their chickens.

[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.