It's unfortunate that such a great and informative post is turning into a debate. Speckledhen posted some outstanding advice that can be used as a good rule of thumb. Anyone can delve deeper into the specifics of chicken-keeping and flock management and definitely should, but these "ten commandments" are a great guideline for anyone. I plan on making copies for all of my customers and also posting it on the website I am developing. I don't think Speckledhen posted this for everyone to debate and argue about, I think she took time out of her life to create an informative list on some basics of caring for poultry that can help people who need information.