Growing Chickens for Eggs

I have decided to have a backyard chicken coop. I am going to have around 6 chickens for egg production and to also have my sons learn a little bit about "farming". I think this summer is going to be a great one for my 5 year old learning about gardens and also chickens and eggs. I really like the Silkie breeds. I they are from China mainly. They almost look like they have hair or fur instead of feathers. To me that almost puts them in a class as another small sort of animal like a rabbit. I figure after the initial expense of heat lamp, I will break even in a couple of months for the cost and then I will have farm fresh free range brown eggs. Yum!