You can make a wire tether all out of clothes hangar wire if the have pliers. I bought one but would just make them in the future. I hung mine with electrical wire.
Our first flock of six mixed breeds started laying on four months to the day! Buffy our golden buff laid the first one and we actually got it on video:)
I live in Brockton on the Holbrook side and find it very reasonable. You can find single family houses for sale under 150k. The commuter train is less tan a mile making commuting to Boston simple. You can only have hens though. No roosters :(
How terrible ! Glad you got her back. I have 6 being shipped 4/7. It's my first attempt. I cannot wait. I have a feeling my flock will grow over time. I am a huge animal lover and gardener. If all goes well I hope to hatch eggs some day :)