Chickens aren't the only ones to blame for Titirangi's rat problem, council says

Thursday, 20 June 2019

A video captured by a resident on June 9 shows rats in Titirangi Village, metres from the shops, near a carpark.

The famed chickens of an Auckland suburb are not the only cause of its rat infestation, an Auckland Council official says.

Waitakere Ranges Local Board chairman Greg Presland said pinpointing the cause of Titirangi village's infestation to just wild chickens and roosters was wrong.

The leafy suburb has become over-run by rats reportedly 'as big as cats' said to be attracted by food left out for its population of wild chickens.

The colony of wild chickens in Titirangi are not the only cause of its rat infestation, Auckland Council says.

The giant rats were said to be everywhere in the village, running rampant near shops, cafes, retaining walls, carparks and near Rangiwai Rd.

**READ MORE:

Rats have made themselves well known in Titirangi lately. (File photo)

* Rat 'invasion' in Auckland as pest control experts report surge in calls

* Titirangi claim neighbourhood is infested with 'rats the size of cats'

* DOC gearing up for Kahurangi National Park 1080 drop to hit rats**

Presland said multiple factors may have caused a rat population boom.

'It is possible rats are associated with a chicken infestation which has been a long standing problem.'

But he also noted the Department of Conservation's announcement in April that the predicted 'mega mast' or heavy seeding in New Zealand's forests this autumn was potentially the country's biggest in 40 years.

Forest seeding provided a food bonanza for native species but also fuelled rodent and stoat plagues.

Those plagues posed a serious threat to native birds and other wildlife, DoC said.

Presland said solutions to Titirangi's rat infestations were being sought but the onus was on all residents to discourage the rat population.

He said Auckland Council's powers were limited under bylaws or Biosecurity Act to control chickens or rats in the village and the feeding of non-native species.

Residents and businesses should be 'extra vigilant' with the rubbish disposal, Presland added.

'Winter is the season when we typically see a spike in rodent infestations as they seek out food and shelter.'

Presland said the council would work on rat control measures in the reserve areas only.

He'd also received encouraging feedback after getting in touch with a local pest-free group to see if they could help.

The local board will discuss options on how to manage the chicken issue at its July business meeting.