I think both. The part feral chickens have always been more leary and domestic chicks raised by them seemed to be more leary too.Interesting different point of view! Shows me that we maybe slightly idealistic when we hope to let things go as close to nature as possible. Your context is specific though. Do you think it is being raised by any broodies that make the chicks grow into chickens that will be more weary of humans, or the fact that their mama having part semi feral origins will teach them those ways?
We have wondered often on this thread whether ex-batts could regain the skills of "real" chickens and in how much time, but obviously it works the other way round too : being a domestic chicken mean acquiring a number of behaviours which may seem difficult for a chicken used to living in the wild. Much like with stray cats which we do have in my country.
Correct me if I'm wrong, are the ferals chickens in your islands not the descendants of freed domestic chickens ?
I'm not positive of the true chicken behavior you folks are talking about but one time a few years back someone dropped off a RSL- Cinnamon Queen at the pasture. I captured her and brought her home but let her out of her cage too soon and she escaped into the neighborhood. I saw her some months later much like I would see many wild chickens. She had a huge clutch of chicks, she raised them well and then raised another and so on. Well, she was populating the heck out of the neighborhood so I captured her and her many chicks and took them back to the pasture as we started to care for them and had some good roosters and what not down there. She lived there for about another year or more and raised many more chicks. She was a nice girl. I'd say she was as good as and kept up with the wild chickens pretty good. She was a favorite of the flock master and laid many eggs and started back laying pretty quick after raising her young. She was a good momma too.
The feral chickens around here are said to be descendents of the jungle fowl brought over by the Polynesians but mostly chickens who's coops got wrecked in hurricanes. I think the fighting chickens also get set free and mix in too. I know I am guilty of raising a few of my cockerels/ roosters at the pasture in hopes of making nice babies.
I'd don't think I am smart enough to really chime in with anything more than my experiences and observations.
I often see the feral chickens do the darnedest things and think; I wish Shad was here to see that! I wonder what the heck they are saying to each other.
Speaking of feral chickens. I try to keep a granola bar in my purse or scratch in my truck. I just love making someone's day a little easier. This day, last week my husband had to have outpatient surgery. I had not eaten so went and grabbed a wrap and soon found some friends to share with
This one reminded me of Marge Simpson because her beak was so over grown.
I had actually just picked up some layer pellets with added vitamins and was thrilled to share with this gang though they preferred my turkey veggie wrap.
They made me realize I will probably always have chickens so I will never feel alone. They are fabulously grateful company and that is quite refreshing.