Chicks and Boys: One Mom's story of raising both

Don't try this at home...
I have always wanted to raise chickens. Don't ask my why... they aren't particuarly cute or cuddly. They don't seem to reciprocate love in a snuggly, warm puppy kind of way. In fact, they are one of the few pets that you can eat - without looking like a psycho - if things go really bad with your budget. But still, I have always wanted to raise them. There's something about knowing where your food comes from, teaching the children responsibilities with immediate rewards (that don't involve technology) and having a pet that earns it's keep that really appeals to me. But don't get me wrong...I do not advocate making this decision without thought. Don't just click on over to Craigslist and buy a coop. Well, actually I did go to Craigslist for a coop, but more on that later... What I'm trying to say is, that although I have no experience with my own coop, I have worked on a farm. I have dealt with farm animals large and small. I have read many, many, many resources on backyard chicken coops as well as have spoken to people who have raised chickens and networked with local chicken owners to discuss the pros and cons. I did my homework. I don't think this project will be particuarly hard, but I am not going to take it on all willy-nilly. In other words, don't try this at home.