Oh! Chickens! Go to Backyardchickens.com for one. Get good layers- a nice tame, quiet breed. Don't just go for the fancy unless their behavior matches what you want (though they are all individuals). Also consider egg size b/c if you cook with eggs, you want larges. If possible, consider two different breeds. Somewhere there's a chart about which breed is good for what. It's not complete, and a little based on one farm's personal experience but very thorough otherwise. If you want, PM me and I'll find it.
I like easter egg layers-
http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com/araucanas_americanas.html and I'm hoping to get some later this year.
Don't grow lettuce, or your chickens will eat it. Or fence it off. Be aware that they might get a taste for other stuff. (Guinea fowl love tomatoes for example) Ask your neighbors not to spray weed killer against the fence line b/c it will get into your chickens and then your eggs.
Lock them up at night. You only need x square feet per bird (3?? 5??) and you do NOT need a walk in cage for 2. Just get something sturdy and raise it up a little. Make sure they have room to roost AND nest (which means more than 5 square feet for bird I think) They can nest in there, sleep, and hide from storms. You can also do a little lawn tractor instead.