Constantly work:
Work to keep them alive - plugging holes weasels can't through, fixing fence, dealing with ongoing mice problems, keeping my eyes out for hawks that swoop down right in front of me about once a week (but always miss!).
Then there's the thinking about them constantly, planning for future chicks,etc. Seems like I'm always trying to think of a better solution for a brooder: a low horse water trough in the bathroom with a rigged light red light in the bathroom for first few weeks, after that it's a crap shoot.
Current chicken house is makeshift, and I need to build a new one but my property is slanted, and I don't have the materials.
Let's don't forget the constant hunt I take voer 10 acres to find the hidden nests ;-)
AND I now want 1/2 doz turkeys so there's the logistics of that to think about.
So I'm always reading about, thinking about, worrying about, and working with chickens!
That having been said, however, I adore my chickie babies. And I'm sure that's why I let myself go through all of this! They are my family and you always want better for your family.
I love feeding them treats and scraps throughout the day, especially after I cook."here chick, chick, chick!" And they come running!
Yep, they make me tired but totally worth it.