Our chooks are for eggs only now, but in the past 5 years I have bred and raised chickens and turkeys here for selling on. Only been to vet once with a chicken. If they get an infection, I now usually know what I need for them, and if that doesn't work, hen gets culled.
Ours are not pets, but I still love to see the 20 layers we have (15 ISA browns and 5 Shaver Blacks) running around, and on a good day, 20 eggs.
I couldn't pay supermarket prices. If I ever give up the chooks completely, I will search around til I find someone who grows their own still.
I think you will regret it if you give up now. Also, people are urged to spend more than is necessary on set ups. My OH has built most of our henhouses and runs, and I've been lucky to be able to buy feeders and drinkers at cost, and we get our feed at a decent price too.
Current prices for feed at retail is terrible!