“The unchecked growth of Bermuda’s feral chicken population is a serious issue that affects our farmers, our environment, and even our public health,” stated a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works & Environment. 

The Government of Bermuda urges residents to refrain from feeding or abandoning chickens. The growing population of feral chickens significantly threatens agriculture, native wildlife and public health. 

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is reinforcing efforts to control the population through targeted trapping and removal programs and is calling for public cooperation.

Feral chickens are an invasive species with few natural predators, leading to devastating losses for farmers. These birds destroy crops, increasing food prices and affecting local food security. 

Beyond farms, feral chickens have become a nuisance in public areas, frequently invading outdoor dining spaces and potentially spreading contaminants.

Adding to these concerns, the global outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) presents a major risk. Migratory birds could introduce avian flu to Bermuda, and the uncontrolled feral chicken population could serve as a reservoir for the virus.

While the risk to the public is low, individuals who work with poultry, are immunocompromised, or handle birds are at higher risk.

The public is urged to follow DENR guidelines and support the ongoing management effort to protect our island's food security and health. “You should not encourage, feed, or protect feral chickens,” the spokesperson added. 

“The Government is committed to addressing this problem, but we cannot do it alone. We are ramping up our efforts, and we ask the public to support these measures to help restore balance to our environment.”

To mitigate these risks, DENR is asking the public to take the following actions:

• Do not feed feral chickens or pigeons. It encourages overpopulation and the spread of disease.
• Do not tamper with traps placed to capture feral chickens.
• Do not dump or relocate unwanted chickens. Instead, contact DENR for assistance.
• Secure backyard poultry to prevent contact with wild birds.
• Report large populations of feral chickens via DENR’s online reporting system.
• Dispose of food waste properly, as open food sources attract feral chickens.

For more information or to report problems with feral chickens, visit https://www.gov.bm/online-services/report-feral-bird-your-property