Yep, it becoming a lot more common. In fact, many cities are having to re-write their zoning laws to make rules for them. ie no roosters, allow to have only 2-4 hens, etc. You can buy portable chicken coops with outdoor run attached so you can move it around your backyard. Saves on mowing the grass I suppose. So chickens mow your lawn, eat the bugs, fertilize the lawn AND you get eggs. Note to city folk - hens will lay eggs without a rooster :-) so don't need one. Hens will lay for about 2-3 years then they don't produce much. Most folks then butcher the hen to eat. Note to self; don't get too attached to said chicken if you're going to eat it......