Justin Feral Chickens
Bermuda’s Feral Chicken Problem.
By Justin M. Corday.
One of Bermuda’s most pressing and rapidly escalating animal problems is the emergence of the wild chicken population. The Bermuda Agriculture and Fisheries Department estimate that there are about 30,000 feral chickens that exist in large and small groups throughout the 22 square miles of the Island. Previous attempts to control the population have not worked and the number is rising. This is a domestic challenge that can no longer be ignored by neither the Government or the public of Bermuda.
Feral chickens are domesticated chickens that have been deliberately released by owners or left to run wild. These chickens end up feeding and reproduce freely in public and private areas throughout the island. Domesticated chickens, while the same species, are responsibly managed by both home owners and farmers. This is in fact, a practice that is encouraged by the Bermuda Government. However, irresponsible owners have contributed greatly to the current problem. The infestation is most clearly illustrated by the Bermuda Department of Agriculture and Fisheries who estimate that there are over 30,000 feral chickens roaming throughout the island and these numbers continue to grow exponentially. A hen can produce a clutch of eggs every 20 weeks and a typical clutch size is eight to 15 chicks. Most of these survive due to Bermuda 's generous climate. In turn, these same chicks become fertile after 20 weeks. Therefore, one single hen can lead to the creation of between 64 and 198 chicks per year.
Although the problem of feral chickens may seem trivial to some people, residents who are kept awake through the night by crowing roosters have an entirely different opinion. Families on the island constantly complain to Government about the lack of ample rest before the work and school day begins. The spreading of trash is also an issue as feral chickens drag trash from trashcans in public areas
By Justin M. Corday.
One of Bermuda’s most pressing and rapidly escalating animal problems is the emergence of the wild chicken population. The Bermuda Agriculture and Fisheries Department estimate that there are about 30,000 feral chickens that exist in large and small groups throughout the 22 square miles of the Island. Previous attempts to control the population have not worked and the number is rising. This is a domestic challenge that can no longer be ignored by neither the Government or the public of Bermuda.
Feral chickens are domesticated chickens that have been deliberately released by owners or left to run wild. These chickens end up feeding and reproduce freely in public and private areas throughout the island. Domesticated chickens, while the same species, are responsibly managed by both home owners and farmers. This is in fact, a practice that is encouraged by the Bermuda Government. However, irresponsible owners have contributed greatly to the current problem. The infestation is most clearly illustrated by the Bermuda Department of Agriculture and Fisheries who estimate that there are over 30,000 feral chickens roaming throughout the island and these numbers continue to grow exponentially. A hen can produce a clutch of eggs every 20 weeks and a typical clutch size is eight to 15 chicks. Most of these survive due to Bermuda 's generous climate. In turn, these same chicks become fertile after 20 weeks. Therefore, one single hen can lead to the creation of between 64 and 198 chicks per year.
Although the problem of feral chickens may seem trivial to some people, residents who are kept awake through the night by crowing roosters have an entirely different opinion. Families on the island constantly complain to Government about the lack of ample rest before the work and school day begins. The spreading of trash is also an issue as feral chickens drag trash from trashcans in public areas
References: Bermuda Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Bermuda Department of Public Works. Bermuda Department of Conservation Services. Steven Desilva, Officer of Bermuda Parks and Recreation.