DFW Invasive Species
Feral Chicken
Feral Chicken
LOCATION
Feral chickens are a common sight on all three major islands in the USVI. They can be seen in many different habitats including urban areas, agricultural areas, natural forest, grasslands and shrublands.
Scientific name
Gallus gallus domesticus
Junglefowl
Wild chicken
Junglefowl
Wild chicken
NATIVE ORIGIN
Gallus gallus domesticus are believed to have originated in the Himalayan region, Southeast Asia and Indonesia (Pyle & Pyle 2009).
Your typical chicken, medium sized birds with a wide range of plumage color. Males are slightly larger than females.
Chickens have been widely distributed around the globe and bred as a food source for humans (Pyle & Pyle, 2009). Once in these new locations, like the USVI, chickens have since established wild populations that can cause negative ecological impacts.
Feral chickens live approximately 5-10 years and can breed all year round. Chickens have a high reproductive rate, with females typically having 3- 4 egg clutches per year, and each clutch containing around 8-15 eggs.
Feral chickens live approximately 5-10 years and can breed all year round. Chickens have a high reproductive rate, with females typically having 3- 4 egg clutches per year, and each clutch containing around 8-15 eggs.
Ecological Impact
PREDATORS
DESTROY CROPS
SPREAD DISEASE
PREDATORS
It has been found that feral chickens will predate on and compete with native wildlife (Government of Bermuda, 2013).
DESTROY CROPS
Feral chickens can also disturb and destroy natural habitat while also causing damage to crops.
SPREAD DISEASE
Feral chicken are also potential disease vectors that could negatively influence humans and wildlife.
Management/Control
RESEARCH
RESEARCH
Presently, management is looking into the best solutions to control for feral chicken’s impact on the native environment.
What You Can Do!
GET INVOLVED
GET INVOLVED
- If you have chickens, keep them penned.
- If you have too many chickens, dispose of them rather than letting them go into the wild.
- Feral chickens on one’s own property may be killed and disposed of via burning or taken to the dump.
- You may also call the department of agriculture at (340) 774-5182, for the removal of feral chickens on your property.
References
Pyle R, Pyle P (2009) The Birds of the Hawaiian Islands: Occurrence, History, Distribution, and Status. BP Bishop Museum, Honolulu, HI, USA.
Government of Bermuda (2013). Feral Chicken Management Plan. Department of Conservation Services, Bermuda.
