Get a batch (4-6) of pullets (baby female chicks). They eat bugs, run around, are entertaining, are quiet, don't stink (in small numbers). Expect a few to meet a bad end (dog, hawk, 'possum, 'coon, etc).
Some lock them up at night for safety. Spring chicks will be laying eggs by the fall.
Some scatter grain in winter, less in summer and all is well. You do need to stop using 2,4-D (broadleaf week killer; in all "weed 'n feed" lawn fertilizers) on your lawn if you are going to eat the eggs and if they are running about.
I highly recommend hens - and no, you do not have to have a rooster around to get eggs. I prefer the Buff Orpington strain as they are gentle, quiet and smart.
Hens live 4-5 years, but the egg production drops after year 3 or 4. One old hen here is about 8 (must be 100+ in human years).
We have had chickens and guineas for years. Highly recommend them.
Steve
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consulting on geothermal heating/cooling & rational energy use since 1990
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