Like many other respondents mine are pets with side benefits of eggs and fertilizer. I've had pet birds for much of my life, so I'm happy to have birds again, in a way that my husband finds acceptable - he's really enjoying having chickens as well as they're friendly but fairly self sufficient.
As for the side benefits, I'm always trying to improve on what I cook for my family: over time we've been eating more organic foods, more locally produced foods, less meat, and more vegetables, whole grains, etc. I've been slowly expanding my vegetable garden each year and have started composting as well. I'm not really looking to become self sufficient, rather, we're just trying to eat healthier, tastier, fresher food, while being mindful of our environmental impact.
As for the side benefits, I'm always trying to improve on what I cook for my family: over time we've been eating more organic foods, more locally produced foods, less meat, and more vegetables, whole grains, etc. I've been slowly expanding my vegetable garden each year and have started composting as well. I'm not really looking to become self sufficient, rather, we're just trying to eat healthier, tastier, fresher food, while being mindful of our environmental impact.