Very difficult puzzle....

Learner (abc) (254 Points)

20 July 2013  

A farmer was asked how many chickens he had sold at market that day. His reply was:

I've had four customers today, and each bought half of my remaining chickens, plus a half chicken.

The farmer sold all of his chickens at market that day. How many chickens did the farmer sell?     

This is very nice puzzle........