Good luck with your thesis. :) Try:
http://continue.utah.edu/lifelong/class/llhg_558_coops_de_ville_how_to_raise_backyard_chickens
and:
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700043510/Tour-de-Coops-offers-look-at-local-food.html
They should be able to give you more contacts too.