Phoenix Arizona Chickens

Anybody in hot Phoenix Arizona raising back yard chickens that could give me some advice.

Can it be done?
Do they lay during the summer?
What variety of chicken works best?
Coop design suggestions?
Any other questions I should be answering?
Groups or clubs doing this?

My daughter just bought a house on a larger lot in Rio Verde and we are in the process of looking at possibly of raising a few chickens along with two horses. We have lots of coyotes, bobcats, snakes, owls and etc. roaming around the property.

Jim Frantz

Growing up, we raised chickens in eastern Riverside County, Southern California. Summer temps around 115-120 degrees. So I'd guess similar to Phoenix, AZ, right?

My grandfather installed misters around the outside of the coop. The coop was all wire walls to allow for good circulation and it was located on the side of a garage to protect them against high winds. The misters worked well. My grandmother would put a half a water melon out there to help cool them off and keep them hydrated. Also, she'd put a block of ice in a shallow tub and the dogs and the chickens would enjoy that.

I remember having a bunch of japanese bantams, some RIR's, and I think Brahma's and a bunch of other chickens of various sizes shapes and colors. They all seemed fine, although I know she did lose a few to the heat over the years.

I think the most important things to remember is to provide plenty of good air circulation because of a higher risk of respiratory problems with higher heat, plenty of water/hydration and a good place for them to cool down underneath some trees.

Oh and about the predators, just make sure the run is secure. We have a completely enclosed run because of owls, hawks, raccoons, opossums and cats. And make sure you bury the fencing so coyotes can't dig underneath it. Some bigs dogs also help keep those pests away.

Also, we never had any issues with egg laying in the summer, they seemed to do fine. Maybe a little lower production but we had plenty of chickens to make for any shortage.