getting chooks was the best thing we have ever done! We built our coop from scraps from the tip! Basically latice, star pickets, bit of mesh, a door, a tin roof, a big wooden box to lay and sleep in and cable ties!

Ours roam around the yard all day and go to bed at night when we lock the door. Make sure no foxes or dogs can get it.

We have Langshan hens which are amazingly gorgeous black hens with green feathers, and fluffy feat. they are big girls but very placid and let mason pick them up with ease.

You will normally get an egg a day, with a day off laying every 5 days approx.

There is a website called Backyard Poultry which is a must read.If you click on "info centre" it takes you to their forums which is sooooooo valuable. lots of people buying and selling poultry on there too. Lots of auctions around so you can have alook and ask the sellers questions about different breeds etc.

Your chooks will be great for eating all your scraps. Just dont give them potato peel, citrus, or onion. And you shouldnt give them much meat, if at all.