HEN-VASION!
Private estate is overrun by hundreds of ‘feral’ chickens
COUNT your chickens? For the residents of Ashbrook Meadows, it’s best not to.
Their private housing estate has been over-run by a flock of 200 ‘feral’ chickens – and the number is going up all the time. Homeowners fear the everincreasing brood are creating a health hazard as they roam across roads, gardens and children’s play areas. The flock started after a rooster and hen were abandoned when their owners moved out of the estate in Diss, Norfolk, earlier this year. Scores of birds now have the run of the estate, with about ten new chicks being born each week. Retired clerk Carol Morris, 71, fears they are getting out of control, adding: ‘They are everywhere, it’s crazy. I have had the RSPCA out and they say they have nowhere to take them and they would have to cull them all.’
Many residents have started to block their gardens to stop the chickens getting in, although some families are also putting out bird feed and bread – which has only served to ruffle more feathers.
Mrs Morris added: ‘We have already had to save a number of the chicks from the drains using a dog ball launcher. It’s amazing, but it is getting out of hand.’