Hi lynneb, welcome to our addiction.Hi, I'm in Sacramento County, we decided to get a 'few hens' so my husband built a coop and run - but it is quite a bit larger than I thought it would be, the run is 5x10 so I think we can easily handle 6 hens. Now I'm looking for pullets rather than chicks since I'm not sure how long they would have to be in the house and we have a fairly small home. There are lots of pullets on craigslist, but how do you find someone who has healthy well cared for birds, pullets aren't exactly cheap
One good way is to post in the BYC forum buy sell trade. I have been able to get three pullets from a great family that had to many in the bay area, and met wonderful woman who raises everything but specializes in confetti cochin. You'll find BYCers are really awesome and network well. Birds can be shipped and also transported by those of us taking trips and definitely keep your eyes open for chicken shows, fairs, and talk to your local 4H and FFA kids and leaders.
We ran out of eggs one day about five years ago and have had chickens ever since. They are really neat animals, great morning coffee buddies, it's fun to watch their social antics and they help with insects while helping with our kitchen scraps. It has been a great experience and we have met wonderful people.
I'll keep my eyes open for birds locally if you'd like, we do head your way from Mendocino County. What breeds are you interested in?