Feral chickens turn Norfolk village into a 'clucking' nightmare

If dinosaurs were alive today, undoubtedly, they would terrorise humans. But they're not. However, they did leave behind their closest living relatives: chickens. Although small, chickens have become a big 'clucking nuisance' in this village in England.

Around 100 feral chickens have become a major nuisance for residents of Snettisham, Norfolk, causing significant disruptions to daily life. Locals, as per The Guardian report that the chickens, which have swarmed in from a nearby wood, destroy gardens and keep them awake at night with their incessant clucking.

Life made "hell"

Residents of the village say that their lives have been made "hell" by the chickens. While the ownership of the land where the chickens reside is unclear, villagers reported observing a recent surge in the bird population.

The birds, according to reports, are causing trouble not just on their own but also because of the visitors they attract, who unknowingly attract rats by leaving food for the birds.

This has led to rising tensions between residents and visitors.

Rod Mackenzie, a parish councillor, expressed frustration over the situation, 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 sizable around here and they breed like hell,"Mackenzie further said.

Ben King, a local resident, told the publication that he has resorted to wearing earplugs at night to block out the noise from the birds. "They're out of control now, there's not just one or two … if someone came and moved them, I'd buy them a big beer," he said.

The Snettisham parish council has discussed the issue, noting that "members of the public throw all sorts of food down for the chickens. This is causing a rodent problem, which is potentially a health hazard."

No beef with the chickens

Despite the inconvenience, not all villagers are against the chickens.

Graeme McQuade, who moved to the village 18 months ago, 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."

A dog walker, who chose to remain anonymous, added, "People in the new houses are moaning about them, but they've been here such a long time and there’s more important things going on in the world than a few chickens. They should get a life. Two of them have been in my garden since they were babies, and they don't bother me."

(With inputs from agencies)