Wayne Durfee, a retired poultry science professor from the University of Rhode Island, is caretaker of the chickens at the South County Museum in this seaside town.

What and Why RI: It's filled in now, but in its prime Rocky Point pool hosted Olympians. Here's the story. A Rhode Island Red chicken — the official state bird — roams a backyard in Middletown.

With the popularity of backyard chickens growing, the Providence Journal asked hobbyists for their top tips. Here's what they said.

According to Polutta, Cinnamon Queen chickens and Rhode Island Red chickens both lay brown eggs. The Rhode Island Red is one of the more popular breeds in the Lowcountry, she said.

Backyard chicken coops continue to be popular. The eggs are good, too. These urban creatures are more likely to be family pets with cute names and comfy coops who just happen to also provide food.