Kaitti,
Where are you located? The best advice I can give is to find someone in your area who has been successful at rearing and keeping chickens. There are so many variables, and there is nothing like first hand advice from a friend. The cost of the chicks or chickens themselves are the least expensive part of ownership. Many folks are satisfied by starting out with inexpensive feed store chicks, raising them up to gain experience, and then moving on to more expensive stock if that is what is wanted. Back yard chickens can usually be purchased already grown for about $5 each, but those are rarely good for showing. The down side of that approach is sometimes adult birds bring in poultry diseases and/or parasites that can linger on your property and be passed on to new arrivals. There is a whole world of knowledge when it comes to poultry culture; I have been at it for some 35 years as an adult, and continue to learn and re-learn. This is not to discourage you, just to let you know it can be an enjoyable avocation and at times a real challenge as well. Good luck, and if any of us can help along the way just let us know, okay?
