So Why Chickens?

Given the fact that we live in a pretty urban area, where yards are smaller, homes are closer together, and there are two grocery stores within walking distance (not counting places like Target and Walgreens were you can pick up basics like milk), people tend to look at you a little strangely when you mention that you want to raise chickens.  So here is some of the background information.

• Cost - it doesn't take a mathematician to figure out that food prices are on the rise.  With a growing family and a growing food bill, it only makes sense to produce what we can on our own instead of buying it at the store.  Granted, it will take us a while to recoup our initial investment, but the birds will help in other ways as well - hunting insects, providing fertilizer, and acting as a teaching tool for our kids.
• Health/Taste - this is a two-for-one.  If you have never had a home-raised egg, try it.  The differences between it and what you are getting in the grocery store are visible.  Plus we will know exactly what our chickens are eating, how they are being treated, and so forth.
• Self-Reliance - we live in uncertain times.  And while we haven't fully embraced say, a "prepper" lifestyle, it still makes sense to be prepared.  We lost power for 4 days with Hurricane Sandy.  We regularly get lake effect snow in the winter.  You never know when a "Walking Dead" scenario might happen, a solar flare will fry electronics, or the economy will collapse.  Regardless of the scenario, knowing that we have a back-up plan, no matter how small at this point, offers some comfort.
• Fun - this is the pet factor.  We are considering the chickens (and hopefully the ducks should they prove to be girls) to be "pets with benefits."  Much as we love Misun, aside from being a pretty decent watchdog and a fun companion, doesn't provide much for the household.  Chickens (and ducks) have their own personalities and will be just as much a companion animal as any other pet bird - plus we will be able to enjoy breakfast on their behalf.