I have to make a comment about what you have all said as for the "other animals" dogs, cats, hampsters, etc... We have 4 dogs, had 2 hampsters (at different times), and fish... We have 4 children (still living at home) and they all wanted these things... The dogs, oh goodness it's like pulling teeth to get them to take care of them, play, feed, water, etc... we are constantly having to remind them to take care of them! The hampsters, poor things, asked if it was taken care of, fed, watered, cage cleaned, they said yes, nope... wont go any further, except to say... they stunk!!! The fish.. well you can emagine... just like the hampsters... they ended up going to the horse troph though (still living)! The chickens were MOM's project... But kids love them.. have not lost interest... and will do anything they can to help!!! They just run on cleaning days LOL... but thats okay... they do bring the hay in from the shed and will help with everything else... and I dont have to ask!!! Needless to say, they have lost interest in everything except for the chickens!!
As for the cost... I have spent more time and money on the dogs than I will ever dream about spending on the chickens!! Now that I have the chickens I save 8.00 a week in eggs although that money is well spent on feed (I do have 50 of them)!! From the chickens, I get eggs, meat, and most of all they are wonderful therapy!!!
As for you running off to college... I will have to agree with the others... more than likely they will get hooked and love having them around!!!
Another way you could do this is join the FFA your school should have a local chapter... You can show them, use them as your FFA project... etc...
As for the white trash part... LOL... I know multi-millionairs that have them!!! They would cringe to be refered to as "white trash" LOL
As for the stink... even with 50 of them, I never have a problem with smell!!! And boy does my garden and flowers look beautiful (except for the ones they go to)!!! LOL...
I wish you the best of luck!!! Just be sure to do your research!!! Know exactly what you want... and check your local city ordiance to make sure you are allowed to have them in your area!!!
Tes