Living in the Funny Farm

So,
Call me what you will but I decided it was about time to make my "Zoo" into a farm.
Here are the newest editions, 4 Rhode Island Reds. I named one Henny Penny, Ben named one Knucko, Bonnie named one Kronc, and Gabby named one Chicken Little. They are just hens No roosters and they are very sweet. They were Easter chicks so when I got them they were a bit older than a fuzzy wuzzy newbie. (For as much as all the neighbors have wanted to hold them it was good they are a bit older.) We are using the rabbit cages that my family made when we used to raise rabbits as livestock. These hens are brown egg layers ( in 6 months) and are known generally as having a sweet disposition. We have only had them 2 days but already personalities have emerged. Knucko seams to be the leader. She is very smart and is the biggest. She has a burnt look to her beak which is the only way to tell her apart from her twin, Kronc. Knucko likes to ride on my shoulder and she is more confident with her surroundings. Abigail's favorite is Henny Penny because she's small and dark.
I was worried about Cornie's reaction to the new pets. He was curious at first. But I kept grabbing a chick and putting it next to him. They kinda freak him out. He normally smells their butt and then gets up and moves away from them. Soon they will be bigger than him and they might end up pushing him around! Poor Dog. I always put one on him when he's sleeping so that eventually they will all be used to each other, and grow up together. The dog always looks at me like "Why me?". The chickens just look at him like "Is it a chicken or a bush?" They are certainly not afraid of him.
Now, if you the kinda person who read this article and said "I'll bet her neighbors will love this" in a sarcastic tone, Dont Worry! I've talked to our neighbors about it and so far, so good. Our lot size is over 12 thousand square feet, there is plenty of room for a coop and a run and we'll still have too much backyard to handle. Also, my children can have some hard work ahead of them as they learn to care for them, collect eggs and clean up after them.
Any ways, we love them but we all know, if they get outta line it's dinner time!!!