I am an animal lover and vet tech. I have three dogs and 3 cats. I wanted to get chickens in my backyard for awhile, after reading"Chickens in the Garden" and seeing the beautiful photos I was on a mission. I called the local health department and found out what I had to do, gathered the info they needed and bought my coop. I got three RIR hens and have fallen in love!! I never thought how much fun and hours of chicken watching there would be. They are about 17 weeks old now, their faces are turning red and the combs and waddles grow everyday.........can't wait for that first egg!! My dogs get along great with them, they will get a little peck if the sniffing gets to be too much!! Ha ha. My yard is small, I have a Koi pond and a lot of gardens, my neighbors are great and they think it's neat to see the chickens when they are out, my yard is fenced so they stay put. This website is great, lots of info for us newbies!!!! Today I was reading on my patio and the girls were right next to me most of the day. Just a here chick, chick and they come running to see what I may have for them. So happy my town allows them!!!! For anyone reading here thinking about getting them all I can say is go for it!!!! Jackie Proud chicken owner of Eunice, Gertrude and Mini