Keeping chickens in Atlanta - our CityChick chicken keeper spotlight!

First and foremost, they are just so interesting and funny.  I could and do spend hours just watching them.  Each has their own personality, their own quirks, dynamics between them, etc.  There's nothing better than hanging out with the flock on a beautiful day and for sure they're some of the best pick-me-ups on harder days.  I also love that chickens have been a never-ending source of learning for me.  Whether it's learning to improve their environment or their health, understand their anatomy or their fluctuating social dynamics, etc.  It's a great education. 

Speaking of education, I'm so grateful to teach our daughter (age 4) more about where food comes from, to have an appreciation of what it takes to put food on our plates, and where to place gratitude when we sit at the table together for a meal. 

                                                                         (Someone is 'eggcited' about seeing the chickens!)

My cup overflows when she puts on her egg apron and gets excited to collect eggs, help scoop poop, and give treats to our feathered friends.  Lastly, of course, is their eggs.  Not only are they delicious (I just can't even order eggs at restaurants anymore, they're tasteless in comparison), but my goal has been to create a rainbow.  Something about the variety of colors in the carton brings me so much joy.  And when I give eggs away, there's a great pride I take in the beautiful, healthful, and delicious eggs that are received with a big smile.  

We currently have 8 adults and 7 pullets that we'll be introducing together soon.  Of those 15, only 2 are the same breed (silkies).  A far cry from the 3 sisters we started with! 

                                                                                    (Alexis's flock enjoying a fun treat)

How do you help your chickens deal with the Summer heat?
Our coop is strategically placed in the shade and has plenty of ventilation.  They always have access to plenty of clean water.  They free range from about 11am until dusk and when it's hot I see them relaxing in dust baths under our coop and shed (both are lifted off the ground). 

On very hot days, I spoil them with frozen treats like muffin tins filled with veggies, fruit, and water to make little chicken popsicles, put out cold watermelon, or the like.  But honestly, that's more because I think it's fun, they'd be fine as long as there's plenty of shade, water, and ventilation.