I'm in Arizona and chickens really do handle the heat fine. With lots of shade and water bowls to jump in and out of...they manage to stay cool enough to show they're healthy by acting happy, laying eggs etc. I have stumps to sit on in my runs and I'll sometimes pop in with them to just cool off for a moment while I'm working because they have deeper shade then a lot of my yard.
When I meet people new to Arizona and miserable from the heat, I always give the same advice...get outside as much as possible and away from the fans and ac so you can adjust faster. You'll be happier in the long run and your wallet will be fatter. I think that's even more true for chickens...well, except for the wallet part . They can't live a full life indoors and better to have the outdoor area they need for happiness set up so its a good space even if you leave on vacation for a few days.
I'm with you on climate change worries...but I strongly agree with others here that your concern, energy and dollars would be better spent making a coop and run that naturally meets what they need instead of ac. It's better for the environment and your chickens and will help you leave less of a carbon footprint. Fans etc are more of a temporary measure to reduce heat while you work to create a lasting solution like better shade, ventilation etc.
When I meet people new to Arizona and miserable from the heat, I always give the same advice...get outside as much as possible and away from the fans and ac so you can adjust faster. You'll be happier in the long run and your wallet will be fatter. I think that's even more true for chickens...well, except for the wallet part . They can't live a full life indoors and better to have the outdoor area they need for happiness set up so its a good space even if you leave on vacation for a few days.
I'm with you on climate change worries...but I strongly agree with others here that your concern, energy and dollars would be better spent making a coop and run that naturally meets what they need instead of ac. It's better for the environment and your chickens and will help you leave less of a carbon footprint. Fans etc are more of a temporary measure to reduce heat while you work to create a lasting solution like better shade, ventilation etc.