The author supports the idea that chickens are "surprisingly entertaining family pets" by stating that they are friendly and amusing to watch, not especially noisy, and can thrive outdoors even during the winter. She also mentions that they can be an asset to an organic vegetable garden, willing consumers of food that is just past its prime, and can bring neighbors together.
In terms of support, the author provides a few examples of why chickens can be entertaining family pets, such as their friendliness and amusing behavior, and how they can be low-maintenance, not noisy, and cold-hardy. She also gives practical advice on how to start raising chickens and where to find the necessary supplies. Additionally, she mentions the benefits of having chickens beyond just their entertainment value, such as their ability to provide free fertilizer, eat bugs, and help build a supportive community network.
Overall, the author does a fairly convincing job of supporting the idea that chickens can be surprisingly entertaining family pets. She provides specific examples and practical advice, and her tone is positive and encouraging. However, she doesn't provide any counterarguments or acknowledge any potential drawbacks or challenges to raising chickens as pets, so her argument could be more balanced in that respect.