Laying hens were our first introduction to livestock. Shortly after we moved to the farm, someone gave us four laying hens. Now we have anywhere between 25-60. They are one of the easiest and best kinds of farm (or urban) animals to have.
baby chicks

Here's what the chicks look like at delivery time. The postmaster usually calls us around 6:30 am on the day the chicks arrive so they can get home sooner and not drive the post driver crazy with the chirping.  The dark chicks in this box are 25 mixed standard breed laying hens.  The other 75 white chicks are broilers.

mother hen with chicks

Of course, some times the layers, squirrel away some eggs out of our sight, and hatch their own brood.

See more about chickens at the high hopes blog chicken pages.