Otaki chickens need relocating asap

SNACK TIME: Chickens enjoying a feed at the former Ashford Park Stud in Otaki.

Dozens of happy-go-lucky free range chickens at a former horse stud in Otaki need new digs.

The Ashford Park Stud property has been acquired by Winstones Aggregates to enable gravel extraction work on part of the 46ha land.

Jonathon Harrison, who rents a house on the land, said over 100 free range hens and roosters had been enjoying the quiet country lifestyle.

But now, with the quarry work on the horizon, Mr Harrison said the chickens "have to go".

Mr Harrison said his elderly neighbour had agreed to put the chicken relocation request on Stuff's Neighbourly network.

"I've already had a couple of replies.

"One woman said 'I'd love a couple of girls'."

Mr Harrison said, "As far as we're concerned, the chickens are there for the taking, they've got to go, if you can catch them.

"You'll probably need a big butterfly net or something to catch them.

"There are so many of them, maybe 120 or 130 all running around, big ones and little ones.

"Anyone who wants one should come to see me first and then I can direct that person to where they are."

Mr Harrison said, "The roosters are beautifully coloured.

"They [the chickens] are so healthy and just have the range of everything.

"They are really happy birds but they all have to go."

People interested in rehoming some of the chickens should contact Mr Harrison first via 06 2100799 or 021 0563467.