I live in the city too, couldn't help noticing you said you grew up in cities. Keeping chickens is still a blast in my little backyard of a pitiful size compared to some of my friends' properties on BYC.
I hope you find everything you need on the forum! As for tidbits of info... hm. Well, all I can say is - I learned this one early on. Unless you really don't mind having chicken poop all down your clothes and arm (it stinks), don't let them perch on your shoulder!