If i were you, then I would go for it. One of my hens doesn't lay at all, (and she's only 4!) but she is really friendly and free ranges with her hudsband - my avatar! As long as you do your best to keep them safe at night, then I defiently think you should get some. They are briliant. If you just want eggs then get a hybred bird - one that lays lots of eggs. If you want one to look at as well as to lay eggs, then you need an ornamental variety, such as my avatar. They don't lay as many eggs, but they are great to look at and there are sooooo many different breeds!