Hundreds of bin chickens terrorise preschool

A preschool in Sydney’s south is being terrorised by a population of Ibis birds who are destroying the property.

Hundreds of the birds – commonly known as bin chickens – have taken up residence in the trees surrounding the Cubbyhouse preschool in Menai.

They are better known by their affectionate nickname, which comes from their habit of picking through rubbish bins.

Staff at the preschool are considering closing the premises due to the ongoing campaign of destruction waged by the birds.

They spend the day feeding on waste in the local bins and, during the night, they crowd into the trees overlooking the playground.

“By morning, when we come in, the place is covered in faeces from the birds,” school director Katherine Frankland told A Current Affair.

The school staff arrive at work each morning to find the roof, playground, and ground have been covered in white droppings.

“They come here and they create havoc,” Ms Frankland said.

Aside from the eye sore of the daily mess, staff are becoming increasingly concerned about the health of their pupils who are having to play in the unhygienic environment.

“We are so worried about the health of the young ones, as we have been told Ibis birds’ faeces contains salmonella,” staff member Angela told A Current Affair.

The school is having to fork out $400 a week for a cleaner to focus specifically on removing the faeces.

“It is financially crippling us and we don’t know what to do,” Ms Frankland said.

The white Australian Ibis is a protected species in NSW.

Under the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, it is an offence to harm or interfere with the native birds.

The local Sutherland Shire Council has provided advice to the preschool on methods to help manage the bird population.

However, after three years, the problem has only gotten worse and the preschool is being forced to consider whether it is worthwhile staying open.