How are you living off the grid??? I started with the garden, then a mini-orchard and other fruit--then chickens for the eggs and now ducklings! I couldn't be happier--who knew??
I'm not, (yet), and I am out in the country. I was just trying to get some hits on your post. If you are off -grid, you should come over to www.sufficientself.com !!! Read my post on wind turbines.
Our house burnt down in Dec. so we are in town right now! It's a first for our children and we can't wait to get out of here!! We brought our chickens to town and our goats are still at the farm. We also have roosters and WAY TOO many chickens for the law here! But like you said free eggs and a front yard free-COMMUNITY garden help ease any problems. The neighborhood thinks we are crazy, but are starting to enjoy our little urban-farmstead. And the children are learning a lot as well!
Blessings,
Amy J.