Cold climate: Silkies. Silkies aren’t great at laying eggs (you can expect fewer than 100 a year), but they’re pretty chickens, with gorgeous feathers and a wide range of colorings. Plus ...

Answers to the top questions about raising backyard chickens for eggs, including how much they cost, what you need in your chicken coop, and the best breeds.© Michael Marquand/Lonely Planet ...

Jody Choder never has an egg shortage at her home in Highland Park. She has 15 chickens in her backyard. "They're a lot of fun to have. You've got eggs every day," says Choder.