Commentary: My neighbour’s raucous rooster disadvantaged me of sleep for months

Thereafter, my next-door neighbour started strolling round within the open with probably the most cute blonde Silkie hen. With its fluffy pom-pom head and fuzzy toes, it resembled a stuffed toy greater than an precise hen. It was so tame that it by no means strayed far, appeared to take pleasure in being petted, and allowed itself to be cuddled and even carried the wrong way up.

Different neighbours, younger and previous, would collect round it, asking questions and lingering to talk about different matters. Apparently, there’s nothing higher than a hen to rekindle that kampung spirit which some Singaporeans lament has disappeared over the a long time, together with chicken-filled kampungs!

I additionally overheard the Silkie’s homeowners clarify that she had a rooster companion, however they needed to give it away as he was too loud. It appeared that my guerilla poster labored – or maybe my neighbour had already obtained complaints and took motion herself.

TROUBLESHOOTING A NOISY ANIMAL

Making a gift of a loud pet could appear fairly drastic. There are different methods to handle a raucous rooster: House owners may put a collar on him that forestalls him from crowing too loudly, home him with extra hens, or cowl up the coop so he doesn’t get up too early.

Over the previous few pandemic years, I’ve observed extra canine and loud barking across the rental too. Dog ownership has been on the rise in any case: From 2019 to the primary half of 2022, the variety of canine licensed by the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) elevated by 20 per cent, from 70,000 to 84,000.

Because the saying goes, there are few bad dogs, but many bad owners. Just like the neighbour who leaves her canine out on the balcony to bark incessantly at each canine that’s being walked, or to howl pitifully for hours on finish. Who can blame the pooch when she’s lonely and stressed?