Taylor Cottington, of Moruya, says she became aware of birds being dumped at cemeteries or the tip, and decided to do something about it.

“Over the last three months I started taking other peoples unwanted poultry – in that time I’ve taken over 250 birds,” she said.

“De-stocked hens, roosters, anything that’s not laying. Some poeople drop birds off at my home, and I do a once a month trip to Nowra. 

“If I can re-home them locally I do, any I can’t go out to my friends property at the back of Yass – poultry is her love.”

Ms Cottington said there were many reasons people were dumping birds.

“Often people don’t realise how much work poultry need to care for them properly,” she said.

“My mother-in-law has always done her own meat and poultry. After my father in law passed, we realised how hard it is to do everything ourselves. Then I joined the poultry club and realised it wasn’t just us.

“Many people have roosters and don’t know what to do with them.

“In the last six months, council regulations have changed from 10 chooks and four waterfowl allowed in the backyard, to five chooks and two water fowl. It’s just too much for people to get rid of.”

Ms Cottington said there weren’t many options available for people looking to reduce their flock.

“Bega RSPCA has two roosters for 18 months,” she said.

“If the council takes them they end up at the pound, until they become sick and die, or have to be put down.”

Anyone who needs help with unwanted poultry is encouraged to contact Ms Cottington via the ‘Port Janice Silkies’ facebook page.