Chickens can be challenging to keep. You’re always going to find new predators.
In my area the big concern was hawks, and fortunately once the the chickens were around 2 months they were too big for the hawks to lift (and the hawks knew it). For years, only the hawks, owls and the neighborhood dogs were the threats. However, once California started moving to Texas… we were flooded with all types. Raccoons, possums, you name it.
If you’re going to try to keep chickens then you WILL have to invest a bit of your time and money… “bulletproof” coops, hay and feed for when you can’t let them freerange. If you have
more than 4 birds you can offset some of the costs by selling the surplus eggs, but if you consider your time it’s break even at best. I’d recommend two birds and add a rooster if you
can stand it. The male with die to protect the hens but it’s noisy unless you’re very lucky. I’d
say no more than 4 hens unless it’s for the love of the game 
For all the city people… You COULD get quail. They have to be kept in a cage and the eggs are smaller but almost the same protein content (quail aren’t as messy as chickens)
Personally, I raise them for my health as a free range bird is optimal for maximum nutrient content. These days with the very real threat of mRNA tampering… it may be something to
consider if you’ve no local farmer alternatives.
Bear in mind that it takes 6 months for a hen to begin laying eggs and around 15 percent don’t lay. Start with more than you need and pare down. Additionally, there are meat breeds that are ready to “eat” in 6-8 weeks. That Chick-Fil-A sandwich had to come from somewhere and you won’t know where it’s been…Just FYI.
