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1: Depends on breed some after 8 weeks some wait til 40.
2. You will get differnet opions on this. Most will say chicks, mainly because you know where they came from what they eat and can be looking for any illnesses etc. I bought 4 hens ( the owner guessed around 8 mnths. But really could be a few years old) from a local farmer simply because I wanted eggs now. I will however have to transition my 6 chicks in with them later. which may be diffucult.
3. Depends on breed and straight run (mixed boys and girls) or pullet (only girls). Pulletts will be more expensive I paid around$3 each for mine. You also will need to make a brooder for chicks. Check out the brooder pages on here for how to make free or cheap brooders.
4 You most certainly DO NOT need a rooster to have eggs. Rossters are for protection and fertilizing eggs.
Hope I answered some of your questions.