The Ministry of Public Works and Environment has expanded its efforts to reduce Bermuda’s growing feral chicken population by providing training to farmers, equipping them with the skills and resources to manage chickens affecting agricultural land safely and humanely.
The training sessions, held last week, provided practical guidance on approved management techniques, safe equipment handling and responsible practices designed to ensure humane outcomes while protecting farmers’ crops and livelihoods.
Minister of Public Works and Environment, The Hon. Jache Adams, JP, MP said, “Our farmers play a vital role in Bermuda’s food security, and we have a responsibility to provide them with the practical tools to protect their livelihoods. By expanding training and ensuring humane, consistent management practices, we are helping farmers reduce crop losses while supporting a coordinated, island-wide approach to managing the feral chicken population.”
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources currently removes an average of approximately 1,300 feral chickens each month, including roughly 60 captured through traps distributed to members of the public. Despite these ongoing efforts, populations continue to recover due to high reproduction rates, making community cooperation and proactive management essential.
As the demand for feral chicken management continues across the island, equipping farmers with the resources to safely manage feral chickens on their properties strengthens the overall response, allowing the Department to focus on priority areas while supporting farmers during critical planting periods.
Participants also received practical information on adapting management techniques as feral chickens become more cautious over time, ensuring management efforts remain safe, effective, and humane.
Farmers highlighted the ongoing impact of chickens on crop yields, noting that unmanaged populations continue to damage crops and contribute to significant agricultural losses. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting farmers through practical training and guidance as part of its broader strategy to protect Bermuda’s agricultural sector.
The Ministry will continue working closely with farmers and other stakeholders while monitoring population trends to ensure that management efforts remain effective and resources are directed where they will have the greatest impact.
Members of the public are also reminded to avoid feeding feral chickens, as this contributes to population growth and undermines ongoing management efforts.
Residents experiencing issues with feral chickens are encouraged to submit a request to have them removed by visiting https://www.gov.bm/feralchickens, or by contacting the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on 236-4201.