UK villagers tormented by 100 'out of control' feral chickens running amok

27 May 2024 , 07:20

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Chickens forage along Common Lane in Snettisham (Image: Chris Bishop / Newsquest / SWNS)

Residents have blasted "out of control" feral chickens in a Norfolk which are running amok through people's gardens and keeping people up at night.

Locals in upmarket Snettisham, Norfolk, are being tormented by the poultry which reside on the outskirts of a local wood and there are about 100 of them. The feathered invaders, who have set up camp in the leafy village, are creating a racket that's keeping locals awake and turning their gardens into a mess.

People say the chicken population has recently seen a significant increase, suspecting that irresponsible owners have been offloading more birds there. They also allege that visitors from outside the scenic area are leaving food for the chickens, which is drawing rats.

People have said they are unable to sleep because of the chickens (Chris Bishop / Newsquest / SWNS)

This has led to escalating tensions between residents and those who come to see the birds, with abuse being thrown at those who feed them. The issue has now reached the parish council, which is considering removing the birds that nest next to Common Lane entirely, reports the Daily Star.

Parish councillor Rod Mackenzie voiced his irritation, stating: "They're a pain in the butt. If they come into your garden they dig everything up. It's not just food for the chickens, it's every bit of detritus they can find and that brings rats. What was it someone left the other week? A quart of pink prawns. The rats are quite sizeable around here and they breed like hell."

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While company director Ben King, 48, said: "They're out of control now, there's not just one or two. They've started coming into gardens and you get rats as well. If someone came and moved them, I'd buy them a big beer." A local man, who wanted to remain anonymous, grumbled: "I think they're a total pest. It doesn't help that people come and feed them. I wouldn't want to buy one of these houses."

But not everyone shares this anger and some even defend the chickens, insisting the animals contribute to the village's appeal. Graeme McQuade, 43, said: "I have no issues with the chickens whatsoever. Before we moved here, we didn't know chickens get up at 4am, but it gives character to the place.

Councillors have said there was "uncertainty as to ownership of that land and ownership of the chickens". It has decided to seek specialist advice and is considering consulting a chicken rehoming charity for assistance. They have also agreed to install warning signs urging people not to feed the birds. The minutes highlight: "Councillors noted the concerns of residents local to the area with people dumping food waste for the chickens. This was leaving foul-smelling waste and encouraging rats to the area."

Tim Hanlon