Locals in UK village harassed by 100 feral chickens who’re making life ‘hell’

Villageers are spitting feathers over a flock of around 100 feral chickens which have been making life “hell” – by keeping people awake at night and destroying gardens.

Residents are being terrorised by the swarm of domesticated birds, which live on the edge of a wood in the upmarket village of Snettisham, Norfolk.

The birds which have made their home in the leafy village are “too noisy” and are keeping locals up at night – as well as digging up their gardens.

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Those living nearby say their numbers have recently significantly increased and suspect irresponsible owners have been dumping more chickens there. And they also claim that those travelling to see the birds from outside the picturesque area are dumping food for them, which is attracting rats.

As a result, there have been reports of rising tensions between residents and those who visit the birds with abuse being hurled at those who feed them. Villagers have now raised the issue with their parish council, which is threatening to remove the birds that nest next to Common Lane altogether.

Rod Mackenzie, a parish councillor who lives on the road, said: “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.”

Company director Ben King, 48, who also lives on the lane where the birds nest, said he has to wear earplugs to sleep at night because of their constant crowing. He 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.

Another frustrated local man, who did not want to be named, added: “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.”

However, others are sticking up for the flock, saying the animals add to the village’s rural charm. Graeme McQuade, 43, who has lived on the lane for 18 months after moving from Cambridge, 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 heard there was “uncertainty as to ownership of that land and ownership of the chickens”.

And they have now agreed to take specialist advice over the birds and consult a chicken rehoming charity to see if it can assist.
The authority has also agreed to put up warning signs asking people not to feed the birds.

The minutes further add: “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.”

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