What Georgia keepers should know

Georgia grows more broiler chickens than almost any other state, and Gainesville likes to call itself the poultry capital of the world. Backyard flocks are part of that culture too. Even so, the state does not set one simple rule for backyard hens. Cities and counties decide through zoning, and HOAs add their own layer.

City, county and HOA

Atlanta, Savannah, Athens, Augusta, Columbus and Macon each handle chickens in their own codes. Many metro Atlanta suburbs and counties limit hens by lot size or zoning district. Rural counties are often much looser. In the big subdivisions around Atlanta, HOA covenants are the most common reason people cannot keep birds, so read yours before you buy a coop.

Heat and humidity come first

Georgia summers are long, hot and very humid. Heat stress kills more backyard chickens here than cold ever will. Shade the run, vent the coop up high on more than one side, and keep cool water in several spots. Do not build a sealed, insulated box like you would up north. Coastal areas near Savannah and Brunswick also need to plan for hurricanes and flooding, so raise the coop and anchor it well.

Good choices include heat-tolerant breeds like Leghorns and Easter Eggers. The page on breeds for Savannah weather covers coastal conditions in more detail.

Snakes, raccoons and hawks

Raccoons and opossums are the main night raiders in most of Georgia. Foxes, coyotes and bobcats are common too. Rat snakes are a constant problem in warm months and will eat eggs and chicks. Hawks pick off birds in open yards. Hardware cloth stops most of it. Our guide on predator proofing in Atlanta goes deeper.

Bird flu and NPIP in Georgia

With so much commercial poultry in the state, Georgia moves fast on bird flu. The Georgia Department of Agriculture and the State Veterinarian's office handle animal disease issues, and the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network works closely with the poultry industry on testing and NPIP. Buy chicks from NPIP hatcheries, keep your birds away from wild waterfowl and report sudden deaths right away. If you work in a commercial poultry operation, check your employer's rules about backyard birds.

Eggs, neighbors and a little extra cash

Plenty of Georgia keepers trade or sell eggs, and small sales are often allowed. Georgia has its own rules on things like candling, labeling and cold storage, though, and they differ from other states. Ask the Georgia Department of Agriculture what applies to a small flock before you sell.

Before chicks arrive

• Check city or county zoning and your HOA covenants.
• Plan shade, ventilation and water before anything else.
• Protect against snakes with small mesh.
• Buy from NPIP sources.

Common questions about chickens in Georgia

Can I keep chickens in metro Atlanta?

Many cities and counties in the metro allow hens with limits, but HOAs often do not. Check both.

What is the best coop design for Georgia heat?

An open, well-vented coop in shade, with a covered run and lots of airflow, works better than a closed box.

Do Georgia chickens need winter heat?

Usually not. A dry coop that blocks wind is enough for most Georgia winters.