Ask HN: Should I get chickens?

I live in Sacramento CA midtown, Im zoned to have them, worried about summer heat a bit though. Definitely have room for them. Not an egg nut but seems like a good no meat alternative protein. Seems like it would be a cool thing to have our 2 year old grow up around in the city. Also Ive heard they attract rats. Anyway this seemed like the right place to ask this question.