App and traps in diverse plan to curb chicken population
Residents will be invited to snare and report the presence of feral chickens, thanks to a series of measures announced in the House of Assembly today.
Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, said that 100 traps will be available to buy at $100 each while the introduction of an app will mean that trained officers can attend and retrieve the animals.
He told MPs: “What may once have been seen as a small inconvenience has become a serious concern for our farmers, our environment, our neighbourhoods and even our public health.”
The minister explained: “While often unacknowledged by the general population, feral chickens are an invasive species with almost no natural predators in Bermuda.
“This allows their numbers to multiply quickly and the impact is substantial.
“Our farmers continue to experience major crop losses, driving up production costs and contributing to higher food prices.
“This threatens the long-term stability of our local food supply.
“Beyond the agricultural impact, these birds often disturb public areas, scatter garbage, disrupt outdoor dining and cause hygiene issues for residents and visitors.”
He said that the problem was even more concerning because of the continued global circulation of highly pathogenic bird flu.
Mr Adams added: “While the risk to the public, in Bermuda, remains low, a large unmanaged feral chicken population could act as a reservoir.
“Therefore, it’s essential that Bermuda remains watchful, prepared and proactive.
“At present, officers within the Department of Environment and Natural Resources manage invasive bird control, including feral chickens.
“Using traps, sedative baits and controlled air-rifle operations, they remove more than 1,300 feral chickens each month.
“Their work is commendable, but the scale of the issue exceeds what the team can manage.
“For this reason, I am outlining several new actions to strengthen our response.”
He said that an app was created by the DENR to monitor invasive-bird sightings and track control efforts, which will be made available to the public after testing.
“Residents will be able to report feral chicken activity directly, allowing DENR to focus resources where they are most needed,” MPs heard.
“The app provides accurate geographic information for staff response while maintaining user privacy.”
Two additional contractors will be hired to enhance trapping and sedative bait operations, almost doubling the capacity for feral chicken removal.
Mr Adams said: “Based on the recommendation of the Board of Agriculture, the Government will begin a pilot programme allowing selected registered farmers to address feral chickens on their own properties.
“Farmers will receive full training and use approved traps and sedative baits under strict safety protocols to avoid harm to pets and prevent accidental captures.
“All birds collected will be humanely euthanised.
“The results of this programme will guide future policy and may allow expansion to all trained registered farmers.”
He added: “To support community involvement, DENR has purchased 100 feral chicken traps, which are now available at the agriculture service centre for $100 each.
“Each trap will include detailed instructions to ensure compliance with the Care and Protection of Animals Act 1975.
“The new reporting app will also allow residents to notify DENR when a trap has captured birds so teams can respond quickly.
“I want to reassure the public that once chickens are trapped, residents are not required to take any further action.
“You are not expected to handle or euthanise the birds.
“Simply notify DENR through the app or by phone, and trained officers will retrieve and address the animals.”
Jaché Adams, the public works and environment minister, said that the Government’s success in tackling the thousands of feral chickens in Bermuda will require public co-operation.
He asked of residents:
• Do not feed feral chickens or pigeons
• Do not tamper with traps placed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or trained individuals
• Do not abandon or relocate unwanted chickens — contact DENR for assistance
• Keep backyard poultry secure and away from wild birds
• Report large populations through DENR’s online system or the new app
• Dispose of food waste properly in tamper-resistant bags and containers
Mr Adams said: “With government, farmers and the public working together, we can turn what has become an environmental and agricultural challenge into a model of co-ordinated, responsible action.
“This is not simply about removing nuisance animals, it is about protecting our food security, our neighbourhoods and our public health.”
• To read the full statement from Jaché Adams, see Related Media
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