Titirangi rats 'exterminated mercilessly' by trapping, chickens could be next to go

Wednesday, 26 June 2019

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

A community over-run by rats 'as big as cats' now has fewer rodents to worry about, but now there's talk of targeting its famed chickens.

Waitakere Ranges Local Board chairman Greg Presland said contractor Treescape's baiting and rat traps in Auckland's Titirangi village over the past few days had seen a noticeable decrease in rodent population.

He did not mince his words when he said the rats, which have been seen running rampant near shops, cafes and retaining walls, would not be shown any mercy.

'The rats are going to be hunted and exterminated mercilessly,' Presland said.

Auckland Council said there was a rat infestation in Titirangi in June. (File image)

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

* Menacing chickens are crossing the road, but no one is laughing**

Presland says they were looking at an 'ideal number' of chickens the village should have.

'It's not fun, it is a lovely village… it's not fun being part of the international media's attention.'

Eradication was impossible given Titirangi's bush setting, but the plan was to get the numbers down as much as possible, he said.

'I spoke to a couple of the shop owners and they seem to think the problem has subsided. I'm really pleased they got onto it.'

Presland said they were also looking at options to address the village's growing chicken population.

Options included deciding an 'ideal number' of chickens Titirangi should have.

There will be no roosters in Titirangi village in the future, Presland says.

'It's very hard to say how many chickens there are in the village. Years gone by there were 10 living there but numbers are much more significant now.

'I haven't had a count but I've, on one occasion when I went up South Titirangi Rd, saw about 20 huddled together so there must be a lot more than that.'

The village chickens have in the past split the community with some who wanted them gone and others who thought they were cute and should stay, Presland said.

'There is some suggestion that some chickens can stay … that we should keep a few of them at least, five to 10, roosters zero. Only if they're quiet.

'I get very heartfelt emails from constituents who are sleep deprived so I don't have much tolerance for roosters.'

Presland said he wanted Titirangi to be a sanctuary for indigenous birds, rather than for chickens, roosters and rats.

'There doesn't seem to be much native bird life around. I personally prefer we go back to a stage where there are lots of tūī around rather than chickens or ducks.'

The local board is expected to discuss chicken control options at its July 11 business meeting in Glen Eden.