Moves are under way to start rehoming feral chickens after villagers voted to thin out the flock.

Locals in Snettisham, near Hunstanton, were divided over the birds, with some saying their constant crowing kept them up at night and people leaving food were attracting rats.

Others wanted them to remain where they have colonised an area of land off Common Road, saying they add to the village's rural charm.

Eastern Daily Press: Villagers vote to thin out the chickens at SnettishamVillagers vote to thin out the chickens at Snettisham (Image: Chris Bishop)

But a parish assembly on Tuesday night heard there were concerns over the birds' welfare, before an overwhelming vote to reduce their numbers.

Now a charity which rehomes poultry is appealing for animal lovers to come forward and offer them homes.

Fresh Start for Hens, which took part in Tuesday night's meeting, posted on social media: "Fresh Start for Hens are working with Snettisham Parish Council to catch, treat, rehabilitate, and then eventually rehome these birds.

Eastern Daily Press: Some of the feral flock at SnettishamSome of the feral flock at Snettisham (Image: Chris Bishop)

Eastern Daily Press: The birds live on a disused allotment off Common RoadThe birds live on a disused allotment off Common Road (Image: Chris Bishop)

"The vast majority of the birds are cockerels, and as you may know, Fresh Start for Hens has a no cull policy, so it is quite the task that we are taking on."

The post on Facebook said the group was looking for secure space to hold the cockerels as a bachelor group while they are treated and rehabilitated.

It added" "We have a well travelled team and can move the birds to most places in England and Wales.

Eastern Daily Press: Most of the birds are cockerelsMost of the birds are cockerels (Image: Chris Bishop)

Eastern Daily Press: Vicky Sewell, from Fresh Start for Hens, addresses Tuesday's parish assemblyVicky Sewell, from Fresh Start for Hens, addresses Tuesday's parish assembly (Image: Chris Bishop)

"Folk who have space to take a cockerel into their flock - the usual rehoming conditions of a photograph of your coop/run and a small rehoming fee will apply."

At Tuesday's meeting Vicky Sewell, a volunteer with the Watton branch of Fresh Start for Hens, said catching the birds would take a lot of planning.

She told villagers: "Our over-riding concern is the welfare of these birds. That's where we are."

The charity said anyone who could help rehome the birds should e-mail watton@freshstartforhens.co.uk.