For a family of six (namely mine), is there some sort of guide as to the size of yard I would need to prepare (including fence off from the rest of the yard) to grow a vegetable garden in?

I'm sorry if it is a dumb question. I'm just doing some planning at this stage, it's not going to be done here (rental), and it is one of my priorities for when we get our own place. So I want to be able to know what i need when we go out looking at properties. The kids want chooks too, so as a side question can their yard be the vegetable garden? I'm guessing they will eat the caterpillars and the like, but hoping notthe growing produce?

I am sorry, it just seems like such a daft question. Depending on if it all will grow in this climate, I am thinking vegeatbles such as; potatoes, pumpkin, onion, garlic, herbs, carrots, zucchini, cucumber, lettuce, tomato, spinach, capsicum, chilli, peas, etc.... so, a variety, and enough to not have to buy any vegetables.

Many thanks for helping a black thumb...