My cord is run up the side of the fan and held in place with duct tape. Then is extended to the ceiling supported by nylon cord. Chickens will definitely do the same things curious kids will do. Yep, EVERYTHING is a toy!
I am in SC, my chickens have a box fan that is fastened to a cinder block with a nylon cord to the ceiling for stability. My chickens I've to lay in the bedding wher the breeze blows. They love the fan!