My son started his chicken project in early 2015. He lost 2 chicks in the process but ended up with 1 rooster and 5 hens. At about 4-5 months the hens began laying eggs. We let the birds free range during the day (almost acre property) and they return to their coop at night. Well our son went off to college this year so the wife and I paired it down to 2 hens - gave the rooster and 3 hens to friends. All was good and the eggs were delicious.
We had fun with our chickens. They definitely have their individual personalities. In the late afternoon they would join the wife and I during our ritual glass of wine before dinner event.
Here are Boo Radley and Jem in happier times.
We lost Boo this week to a predator. Came home from work to find her feathers all over the yard and Jem was hiding out in a tree. I don't think it would be good to keep Jem all alone so we're going to give her to a neighbor who already has chickens. Bummer. Bad idea naming them I guess...