If you don't have outside dogs to protect your flock, the closer to the house the better. At night, they will be locked up, but if predators during the day are a concern in your area, especially aerial like hawks, you might have to go with a run that is entirely enclosed. Im pretty lucky...
No, no. You didnt sound like a chicken abuser. Sorry, i am a victim of not picking up on sarcasm sometimes, especially in text. And you might be surprised by the amount of ppl who think baby chicks are inevitable if a rooster is around! Just thought i was educating!!!
Well, yes, there is a such thing as rooster castration. Can't at this moment remember what it is called. But a simpler solution would be to collect the eggs every day and eat them! The fertile ones tastes the same.