The chickens in Sin Ming are at it again, this time disturbing a resident who resorted to soundproofing her home after losing sleep due to the noise.
The resident, Ms Xu, 54, said that some 20 chickens would crow in the mornings and evenings at their estate in Block 454 Sin Ming Avenue.
Ms Xu noted that the chicken population in the area has increased, affecting residents’ sleep, as the animals would sometimes cluck at 3 am.
“Sometimes the chickens fly up to the trees and crow, and they do it even at 2 am or 3 am. It’s useless to close the doors and windows. My daughter and husband have to get up early for work, and they often don’t get enough sleep [because of the noise],” she told Chinese language newspaper Shin Min Daily News.
Ms Xu took matters into her own hands and decided to install soundproof windows worth S$6,900 in their two bedrooms.
The crowing is still audible but muffled enough to give them good sleep at night.
Other residents confirmed with Shin Min Daily News that the chickens had affected their sleep. They hoped that the relevant authorities would look into the issue for a solution.
It was reported that the National Parks Board, Animal Concerns Research and Education Society, Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council and Thomson Sin Ming Court Residents’ Committee have partnered to address the matter.
Umbrella-shaped nets were placed on trees to prevent the chickens from roosting there. Chicken eggs are also regularly collected to avoid over-breeding.
Netizens commented on the news, noting that the sound of clucking is more pleasant than adults quarrelling. “It’s nature’s alarm clock. Be thankful for a pair of good ears that’s still ok,” said Facebook user Ng Beng Choo in a comment with over 70 likes.
“How about motorcycle noise…every morning, the rider always ramp up the motor and wakes me up, and when they come home in the middle of the night, the exhaust sound is very noisy. What is the authority doing to stop this noise?” asked Facebook user Teck Wah Ng.
Still, others said that the clucking could get loud. “Honestly, it’s super noisy. It’s not pok pok kay, it’s super loud ‘ku ku ku kruuuuu!!’ explained Facebook user Rodrigues Ursula.
“And it’s not just morning; it’s throughout day time. Always manages to wake my toddler up at around 3 pm, too,” she added.
“Glad she found a solution,” commented a netizen who faces a similar issue with noisy mynahs. /TISG