Possible Feral Chicken Market Not Cost Effective
A management plan to control feral chickens examined the possibilities of them as a potential resource, however the conclusion was that it would not be cost effective.
The Government said the quality of the meat from feral chickens is low, while the cost of preparation is high, in comparison to what can be purchased in a grocery store. This is due to the low fat content of a feral chicken compared to that of cooped chickens.
The Ministry of Environment and Planning said they will develop a comprehensive strategy this coming year to manage invasive species, both plant and animal, that are having a negative impact on our island. They said this will be developed in full public consultation and will likely result in amended and new legislation.
Minister of Environment and Planning Sylvan Richards said: “The government is very aware of the negative impacts that invasive species, such as feral chickens and pigeons, are having on Bermuda’s economy, human health and environment.
“So much so that this issue was highlighted in the recent Throne Speech and made a government priority.
“However, the government also recognizes that we have problems we must start working on today. Pest bird species such as chickens, pigeons, and crows are causing significant damage to agricultural crops, gardens and protected habitats. They are also a nuisance and a human health problem,” said Minister Richards.
Currently the Department of Conservation Services receives four to six requests a week for pest control service from across the island.
Over the last 18 months, the department has successfully reduced the population of feral chickens by 12,800 and pigeons by 3,500 [as of November 2013].
A spokesperson said, “This has been accomplished through the implementation of a management plan developed to control feral chickens.
“As part of this plan, all aspects of the problem were investigated, including life-cycle and biology of the animal, different methodologies and their comparative effectiveness, a review of current legislation, resources needed, costs and implementation strategies.
“Research concluded that that each infestation site had to be individually assessed and the most efficient and humane management strategy implemented according to site conditions.
“This could include the combined use of traps, nets, bait and/or shooting as required. A public bounty system was considered but it was concluded that without proper training it would be ineffective and could result in undue suffering to target and non-target animals.
“The plan also examined the possibilities of feral chickens as a potential resource.
“The conclusion was that the quality of the meat from feral chickens is very low, while the cost of preparation is very high, in comparison to what can be purchased in a local grocery store. This is due predominantly to the low fat content of a feral chicken compared to that of cooped chickens.
Drew Pettit, Director of Conservation Services said, “It would not be cost effective to try and create a market for feral chickens due to their low meat quality and having to compete with already established local producers. If it was that simple and profitable our farmers would already being doing it.”
A spokesperson added, “However it is not illegal to trap to remove or consume a chicken, as long as it is done humanely and with minimal suffering to the animal [as permitted under Section 8(5) of the Care and Protection of Animals Act 1975].
“The recent amendment of the Firearms Act 1973 is not intended to be the ‘cure all’ for managing pests; rather it is a means of enabling an existing tool to be used more efficiently. When considering the use of firearms, the government must make public safety the priority.
“In light of this, the numbers of licensed pest control shooters must be kept to a minimum and the amendment must not result in a proliferation of or excuse to use firearms.
“The current pest control shooters are experienced not only in good firearm control and marksmanship but also in safe hunting practices, which is especially important in our increasingly urban environment.
The Ministry of Environment and Planning would encourage any persons who need assistance to remove an infestation of feral birds to submit an online request.
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Lot of Ferel’s on that piece of property between Parliament, Reid, Church and Court streets.
Humans are the worst invasive species ever, yet we point the finger at other species all of which were introduced by us. With our over inflated sense of self importance we have collectively poisoned or destroyed nearly all sectors of our ecology, we are like a flea infestation only we’re allegedly intelligent. It is said that nature doesn’t tolerate excess and with around 7 billion people on earth we are probably overdue for a cataclysm. PS if you cage and feed a feral bird you will increase the “quality” of the meat. Also I suggested using them to feed farmed fish since fish farming is inefficient in that it takes 2 lbs of ‘chovies to produce 1 lb of eating fish here is a free resource that could certainly could work on a small scale.It shouldn’t be too hard to experiment and find out.
What you say about humans is true, but guess what? You’re a human, you are just as guilty as the rest of us. It is also clear by the way you seem to have all the answers that you yourself have an “over inflated sense of self importance”.
Oh and where are these fish farms you are so adamant about?
PS. Caging and feeding the feral chickens will increase the cost, the whole reason why it is not feasible is because it’s cheaper to buy chicken at the store. You really think they hadn’t thought of that?
If what I say is true, and you claim that I seem to have all the answers, then why are you so defensive ? When you throw a stone in a hog pen, the one that squeals is the one that got hit! Try making better suggestions before cutting down the ideas of others . Also when someone says we, they are including themselves. Sense is not all that common.
true, and what part do you play in destroying the earths ecology?
Did you notice I said we, myself included.
Nobody wants organic, free range chicken? Isn’t that all the rage these days? I bet the meat would taste a lot better than store-bought, although it may be a bit tough…
Tastes like church worms, tough, chewy church worms.
We have to be able to come up with better solutions.
-Alive bounties instead of dead ones
-Cull roosters brought in, keep the females for eggs and give them to those in need
-Enlist local schools to help take care of those caught and kepts and allow them to sell the eggs to offset costs for school programs/ fundraising
-Even free-range lean chicken has to taste good to a family that has a hard time affording fresh meat!
-Government could make it a contest with awarded prizes to the best idea
So much nay-saying makes me wonder the validity of the research done to determine cost effectiveness vs- cutting in to the profits already seen from our ‘status quo’.
DCS has so much potential but they are all about self preservation, job security and reports and policy that is increasingly anti business, and unaffordable.
corporate is not interested so any ideas will fall on deaf ears…leave the govt. out of the equation, we the people should go and start are own chicken corporation…then watch as their arms unfold to embrace your success, inviting you into the fold.
I don’t think they are safe to eat, given the large amount(TONS) of pesticides and herbicides we spray and cast on our properties across the island. Dont think I want chicken that has been pecking at Diazanol etc.
I have been catching feral chickens, pigeons and duck for more than 10 years now, and yes I do charge for the service. Some are humanely culled and some are given away to be eaten or kept for pets as long as they are cooped. What some people fail to realise is that they are destructive to crops and if you want to keep chickens, contain them so that they aren’t a nuisance to others. I can be called on to catch any feral chickens, by hand or by trap, not for free, but for a fee.