Ok, first off, if you are going to keep one, don't, keep two. Unlike snakes birds are very social and will be lonely and more susceptible to diseases and stress, especially if it's a baby, if it's kept alone. They are naturally raised in a flock of adult birds with their mother constantly feeding and fussing over them, and about a dozen siblings to play with.
Also, unless you want a bunch of noisy roosters, check their feet. Pick the two healthiest with the smallest feet. It won't guarantee that you keep hens, but baby roosters tend to have larger feet than baby hens.
Where do you live? Are you in a city? Some cities have laws against keeping chickens in the city limits. You will want to check that out. Other than that, do a google search for chicken housing. Mainly what they need is a dry place for their food, a secure coop, and a secure fence. They are very susceptible to predators.
As far as housing chicks, get a large cardboard box, rubbermaid bin, or aquarium with high sides. Line it with newspaper, and put a heat lamp on top to make a hot spot in the upper 90s. Make sure they have a cooler area to escape to as well. It is very important that they also have clean fresh water and food all the time. Since they are so small even the tiniest bit of dehydration will kill them. Also, clean their pen *every day*. Otherwise the stench will overwhelm you.

uke02:
If you decide that you don't want grown chickens when they are older, you could also make a meal for yourself. :eats02:
Do you know what type you have? What do they look like? There is a variety known as the Cornish, and there are Cornish crosses. They reach 10 lbs in 6-8 weeks. If you let them live to adulthood they will have horrible arthritis and not be able to walk. If this is the type you have you might want to get some other breed of chicken for a pet.