How Can I Create A Healthy Environment For My Chickens?

As I learn how to take care of little chickens, I want the best for them. As of this moment, there are no chickens in my back yard. We are disadvantaged in several ways in having chickens here. First of all, we live in a subdivision with a strict HOA, who would have a fit if they ever found chickens at our house. Second, we live on a wildlife conserve, which makes a wonderful environment for birds of prey and other animals to come in and attack the chickens.
Being unfamiliar with chickens, has provided the incentive for me to learn how to take care of them so I can have them here, without the fear of someone finding out about it and prosecuting us! It is with these factors in mind that I will learn about raising chickens
So, here are my questions that I will be researching:

1. How can I have chickens while living in an HOA subdivision?
2. How can I best protect my chickens from hawks and other animals of prey?
3. How do I make sure I don't end up with a rooster?
4. What kind of facility can I build or buy for the chickens to live in?
5. Can I make a secure facility that will be big enough to keep them in most of the time?
6. What do I do when I have to be gone for many days?
7. What is the best kind of diet for my chickens if I want to feed them naturally?

Here are a couple of web sites on raising chickens:
http://www.homespuninspirations.blogspot.com/search/label/Chickens
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-to-raise-a-chicken-as-a-family-pet

There are lots more out there.
Until next time..... I will just love on my niece's chickens....