On my most recent vacation to Hawaii, Maui to be exact. I instantly noticed the abundance of chickens everywhere. As a chicken mom myself, I was instantly in my happy place as these creatures bring me so much joy. Now, When I say everywhere. I truly mean everywhere! Gas stations, walking down the road, popping up on all of our tropical hikes, and even resting and exploring with their chicks along the beach itself. As my vacation continued I just had to find out, Why are there so many chickens in Hawaii?
The abundance of feral chickens that you find on the Hawaiian islands is the result of Natural disasters causing chickens to go free. Specifically Hurricane (Iwa) in 1982 and also Hurricane (Iniki) in 1992. These disasters caused the destruction of coops for domesticated chickens resulting in them being released in to the wild.
Beautiful Jungle Fowl aka Moa (Photo Credit Ron Cogswell) Click Photo to be taken to original image.
Do Chickens Have Predators In Hawaii?
One of the main reasons, especially on the island of Kauai, that chickens are growing at an alarming rate is that they do not have any natural predators. The only thing that might hunt or kill them are cats and dogs either domestic or feral. Chickens can reproduce and exist on the islands without much resistance. Most of the chickens in Hawaii are descendants from the red junglefowl which is a protected species. Even though I’m sure poaching exists the chickens are even protected from humans.
What Animal Is Most Likely To Kill Chickens In Hawaii?
I have read accounts where people have lost their chickens to hawks and owls. The I’o or Hawaiian hawk has been known to attack chickens, especially when they are younger and smaller. The Pueo or Hawaiian owl has also been known to attack and fly away with young chickens. The only other animal that seems to be a problem with chickens in the Hawaiian islands is the mongoose. Although its not a problem across the board, there are pockets of areas that have problems with mongoose killing their chickens. Most people trap them to resolve their issue.
There are a couple of animals that will kill chickens, especially when they are young. But for the most part, chickens get free range with little to no predators bothering them on the Hawaiian Islands.
Is It Illegal To Feed Chickens In Hawaii?
In recent years, there have been some claims of a correlation between Chicken droppings and diseases. It seems this has been mostly unfounded and no on has been able to provide any solid scientific evidence that it’s true. To combat this a little bit, a law was passed that bans the excessive feeding of feral birds. The Hawaii State Department of Health can order a person to stop or insist that the mess be removed by an outside party. Violators can be fined up to $10,000 per offense.
If you are just a tourist and you are wondering if you are allowed to feed the feral chickens. The answer is, as of now yes. There was a bill put forward back in February of 2021 asking that a $500 fine be put in place for anyone feeding a feral chicken. This was dismissed and not put in place. You can click here to read about it or see the Bill HB 524 here!
With that being said, we are not lawyers and have no authority to advise on local Hawaiian laws. We strongly suggest that you contact the Hawaiian Division of Forestry and Wildlife to get the most up to date information as laws can change!
Is It Illegal To Kill Feral Chickens In Hawaii?
With all the wild chickens roaming free in Hawaii it does raise some questions on the safety and laws protecting these birds. After doing some research it doesn’t appear that there is one final answer. There are several factors that play when it comes to determining if it is legal to kill feral chickens in Hawaii. The laws differed between the islands when it comes to general bird protection.
The Red Junglefowl is the only bird protected in Hawaii, but due to decades of crossbreeding it is almost impossible to determine which birds are not a true Junglefowl. In order to abide by the state guidelines. It is recommended to never kill the Feral chickens. It is always best to reach out to your local wildlife department to discuss the proper plan of action when handling or needing to remove these birds.
Can You Eat Wild Chickens In Maui?
Wild Chickens are mostly lean, meaning less plump and tasty than chickens you would find in local stores. There is no desire to kill these birds as a result. Also, with them being protected, there are laws and regulations in place depending on your location and which island you are currently visiting.
I have read a few accounts of people using the chickens to make broth or soup, but it really doesn’t sound like many people actually use them as poultry.
Why Are There So Many Roosters In Maui?
On Maui the first chickens brought over by the Polynesian setters were the Red Junglefowl, as knows as the “Moa”. These birds were brought over as a source of food from its eggs to meat. On the island of Maui there are not many predator’s to the chickens which aide in the rising numbers of these roosters and hens.
Also, recent years Maui has seen a spike in the population of feral chickens and roosters. The cause of this increase is due to natural disasters and storms. Resulting into domesticated birds going free or storms brining in more birds.
What Is A Red Junglefowl?
A Red Junglefowl is a tropical bird that ranges across large areas of Southeast Asian and also found in some parts of South Asia. The genetics of this specials can date back over 8,000 years ago.
You will be able to identify the Red Junglefowl by there beautiful feathers. The Red Junglefowl has feather consisting of brown, orange, red, gold, white, and even a metallic looking green! On the male Junglefowl their tail feathers can grow up to 11 inches long! Talk about a beautiful site to see! Compared to other domestic chickens, the Red Junglefowl does have a smaller frame and body mass. But what it lacks for in size it makes up for in bright colors and appearance!
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Can You Eat Wild Chicken Eggs In Hawaii?
Everyone knows that fresh free range chicken eggs are by far superior to those store bought eggs! With so many free ranging feral chickens are you allowed to eat them on the islands in Hawaii? We have already learned that it is never ok to harm or kill these protected chickens, but what about eating the fresh eggs?
On the Island of Kauai the answer is Yes. You can eat any free-range egg you find. I mean why not, they do taste better after all. Not to mention they are free! Most importantly, since these chickens are free-ranging you definitely want to make sure the eggs are fresh! No one wants to wind up cracking open a rotten egg.
When it comes to Maui, the answer is more commonly NO.
Check out this video of the Chickens In Hawaii!
Are There Chickens On The Big Island of Hawaii?
Unlike its fellow Hawaii islands such as Kauai and Maui. You will still be delited to see some feral chickens, but they are not as commonly spotted as the other islands. Certain areas on on the island you might catch a glimpse, but on the South Kohala coast or closer to Kailua- Kona you are less likely to spot any of these amazingly beautiful birds.
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Final Thoughts
Although many locals find these wild chickens to often be a nuisance. It is still pretty entertaining watching these little guys and gals run around town like they own the place. Honestly, who doesn’t enjoy seeing a mama chick strolling around with her cute little baby chicks. Seeing them strut there stuff wild and free isn’t quite like anything I have seen before. One of the most beautiful and protected breeds is the Red Junglefowl. Click the link to learn more about this amazing bird. With all of their brightly colored feather they truly are a site to see in the wild.
