Have had a bunch of hens for several years now. It’s great fun and they’re pretty interesting pets. Mine roam around the backyard during the day eating grubs and, well, the lawn. At night they wander back to the coop on their own and I close the door to protect them from raccoons. Each has their own personality. Make sure to get a feeder that doesn’t provide access to critters other than your hens, eg. Grandpa’s Feeders and you won’t have rat problems.