Walking through the streets of Key West or the lively neighborhoods of Miami, you will often notice colorful chickens roaming freely. These birds are not pets or farm animals; they are feral chickens, a fascinating population that has learned to thrive in Florida’s warm urban environment.
Feral chickens in Florida have become local celebrities, often photographed by tourists and admired for their bold personalities and stunning plumage. Their presence adds a unique charm to towns and cities, yet also sparks debates about noise, safety, and ecology.
Understanding how to identify feral chickens, where they live, and why they thrive in Florida can give you a new appreciation for one of the state’s most interesting urban wildlife species.
What Are Feral Chickens?
Feral chickens are domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) that have escaped captivity or were released intentionally and now survive without human care. Over time, they’ve adapted to living in the wild, forming self-sustaining populations…