* I have 2 girls (hens). They're great, both of them. As to food, it has to be kept absolutely dry-- wet/damp feed grows molds very, very fast that can kill your chickens. I feed my girls enough to fill their crops 2-3 times a day. Other people fill the feeder and let them eat all day...
* Kinda tough to sleep in sometimes when the "kids" are hollaring for breakfast and "out, Out!, OUT!!!". Vacations can be difficult. And, naturally, illness or injury (yours OR theirs) can be very trying. BUT, I think they're worth it.