Good morning, Larry, and welcome to the BYC community.
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Very nice and good response.Hi Larry! Welcome!
Here are some tips:
Buy older (around 4-6 months) chickens from a nearby farmer
(Then you can be sure if the birds are roosters)
Also, I think you have less of a salmonella chance, as they are not from a big hatchery, so the statistics of hatchery chicks with salmonella don't apply to them.
Sit and wait for them to come to you.
And offer treats. Oatmeal (cooked and non) is great, and so are bugs! When they start squating when you get near (cause they are starting to lay eggs soon, or are laying) you can pick them up. The more you hold them and give treats after, the more they trust you. Mine like gentle pets on their earlobes, backs, and chests. Do not touch the feet or beak. They get MAD.
One more thing, they dig up EVERYTHING. Fence off your plants, but share your garden, because they are sooooooo funny to have around. Also, they protect plants from pests!
You will LOVE chickens.