Art and I go for walks early in the morning before the sun has not quite risen up very high off the horizon.
I've written a number of times about feral cats and chickens we have everywhere on Oahu. In fact, I just saw in the news last night that a number of our feral cats were being shipped to the mainland for new homes by some organization. The cats are a problem because they are a serious threat to our endangered Hawaii birdlife.
One birdlife that is not endangered is chickens. And somebody must be feeding them. On one occasion we were doing our morning walk when I looked up to see a large flock of chickens wandering around a playground.
I didn't take a photo of them then because I was startled when they suddenly came charging my way in breakneck speed. Seriously. Don't laugh because if a swarm of hummingbirds came swooping after you, I'm sure you'd be unnerved too.
When they finally got too close I yelled, “Yiiiikes!” and they enmass turned around and scattered the other way. It was hilarious and we burst out laughing.
There's not as many chickens now or maybe we came at a different time.
I was ready to take a photo of them if they ever came after me again, but there was only a half dozen of them this time.
Hmmm...
Is it the cats?
And now that the feral cats are being shipped off, would the chicken population explode again?
And will they come after me again?
Wonder who collects their eggs?
ReplyDeleteWhen Dan was on a mission trip to Puerto Rico in 2019 he said the chickens were wild there. What bothered him the most was the roosters crowing all the time. Do you hear the roosters where you live?
Kay, trying so hard not to chuckle but where I come from this is crazy! I liked what Marcia asked, are they laying eggs? Anyway, glad to hear about the cats at least! :)
ReplyDeleteThat is really a funny post. Marauding chickens.
ReplyDeleteThis made me smile. I remember one time when we were at one of your gardens and a line of chickens chased me as I got our of our car. I felt like it was the chicken version of the Magnificent 7! I jumped back in that car so fast!
ReplyDeleteI've heard of folks vacationing at certain Hawaii resorts, only to be woken up by the wild roosters. Some resorts seem to be able to keep them away. I also wondered about corralling them for their eggs or meat to help with feeding those in need. They are beautifully colored though, much prettier than boring white Kansas chickens. I've seen them at Spouting Horn in Kauai. Some outdoor patio restaurants in Kauai have 1/2" chicken wire under their tableside bushes to keep the chickens from coming onto the patio and bothering the customers. Linda
ReplyDeleteYou know what? Now that I think about it, Kauai might very well have more feral chickens than we do.
DeleteFeral chickens, wow. Seems people could eat them to help the problem.
ReplyDeleteIn the wild hens hide their eggs in a safe, hidden place. If there's a rooster in the picture, after the hens have laid a clutch of eggs (12 to 15 or so eggs), they'll sit on them for 3 weeks until they hatch and raise the babies (the ones the coyotes, possums, raccoons, and foxes don't kill and eat).
ReplyDeleteI just visited your blog and I see that you are definitely an expert on chickens. Thank you so much for your interesting information.
Deletetoo funny, all we have are birds, hawks, road runners and lots of lizards!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know there were feral chickens(or cats) there! My mom's Italian grandmother had chickens and she was scared of them. They seem aggressive, probably because of the way they move. I'm scared of geese.
ReplyDeleteThat's utterly amazing. Who here on the mainland would adopt a feral cat?
ReplyDeleteHere we have parrots. They are loud, noisy, and messy. G and I are not fond of them, but everybody else here loves them.
That is funny and they were probably thinking that you were bringing food like others obviously do. Key West has the same problem. I would probably be one of the feeders.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, we DO have a KFC close by. LOL! Picturing KFC guys out hunting for feral chickens is a hilarious picture though.
ReplyDeleteChicken attack - so funny! Actually, I have a chicken house ready for 2 chickens so I can have fresh eggs. It has been set up for years because I have been hemming and hawing between ducks, chickens, or quails. Maybe next time you see them, please grab me 2 hens, lol!
ReplyDeleteI guess I'd rather be attacked my a flock of feral chickens than a gaggle of feral cats. But then cats are too independent to ever get an organized attack going. And chickens are easy to SHOO!
ReplyDeleteWhy did the chickens cross the road?
ReplyDeleteTo attack Key.
(I know, they didn't cross the road.)
They actually did. LOL!
DeleteChickens don't understand evolution very well They think they're still T-Rexes. Then when you yell at them they suddenly come to their senses.
ReplyDeleteThey remind me of our Game chickens.
ReplyDeleteDon't fill your pockets with scratch or they won't run back.
ReplyDeleteThey sure look healthy and would probably make some good eating. I laughed to think of you being attacked by chickens. :-)
ReplyDeleteHahahaha, Art; very funny. Kay, check your back; Art probably clipped a small package of corn or other birdfeed there and thought I'd be funny to watch :)
ReplyDeleteWhen you say 'feral cats' there is an irrepressible image of Sammy Davis Jr that pops into my head, slinking along in one of his little jigs. What?! Go figure.
love,
cousin walt
Sammy Davis Jr. did something with chickens? Hmmmm...
DeleteOh, you KNOW somebody is feeding those chickens. It's crazy when they run across the street to get to us.