The Feral Chickens
of Windward Community College
Behavior
Grouping
Feral chickens live in flocks organized into a pecking order where dominant individuals will have the better nests, eating areas and mates.Territoriality (view WCC Map)
Chickens are territorial, at least to other chickens. This is in contrast to plovers, who are very territorial, and to pigeons, who seem to have no sense of space whatsoever.
One group at Windward, for instance, guards the open lawn area in front of the Library. Their range extends to the Banyan tree
Another group holds sway above the library, along the road close to the state hospital. The border appears to be the road.
Brooding
The feral chickens will lay a clutch of eggs. Incubation is roughly three weeks. Click here for more information on brooding.
Eating
The feral chickens eat for a considerable part of the day, although in the morning more than the afternoon (when sleeping/hiding are more likely behaviors). Unless food is provided to them, the feral chickens will typically eat by scratching the loose soil and leaves under the banyan trees and then eat any insects that are uncovered.
Flying
Yes, chickens can fly for short distances.
Squawking
This is a typical behavior, especially if the chickens are approached or someone tries to take their picture. Feral chickens sound much like non-feral chickens.
Wandering Around
Unless noted otherwise, all photos and text by Brian Richardson. • Comments? Email me at: richards@hawaii.edu
Page created in Spring, 2008, last updated
June 8, 2008