SINGAPORE — A TikTok video showing a flock of "chickens" settling into structures that look like miniature "BTO (Build-to-Order) flats" in Tanjong Pagar has tickled online users, with many applauding what seemed to be efforts to house wild chickens in the neighbourhood.

However, the structures and the birds at Everton Park were later revealed to be part of an upcoming public art installation in an Instagram story by the Singapore Art Museum on Wednesday (March 29).

In short, the chickens are not real.

In the TikTok video by user "shay.mless", a number of "chickens and chicks" can be seen in two scaled-down buildings.

The first resembles a modern, high-rise building with full glass facade whilst the second looks like the quintessential Housing & Development Board (HDB) flat, complete with a void deck.

Actual HDB blocks of flats can be seen in the background. Everton Park is a public housing estate.

"Chickens can now BTO too," quipped the user in his video, which has attracted over 241,000 views and 22,600 likes since it was posted on Tuesday.

Many viewers, who seemed unaware that the structures were art pieces, were amused by the sight and lauded the perceived move to provide shelter for the animals.

One TikTok user commented: "Is this what the National Environment Agency is doing about the chickens? If yes, I'm so happy." 

Others called for the same initiative to be carried out for other stray animals, such as cats.

Some even joked that the chickens seemed to be leading more lavish lifestyles than people.

One person lamented: "The chickens' houses (are) nicer than mine."

Another user remarked: "Wow two units per floor and full height windows. Resale value (will be high)."

Someone else wrote: "When chickens get priority 5-room BTO in less than five years with no Minimum Occupancy Period before the humans."

Eagle-eyed viewers, however, pointed out that the chickens were fake as they remained entirely still throughout the 11-second video.

Responding to TODAY's queries, the Singapore Art Museum said that the installation was created by local visual artist Divaagar. 

Titled Everfowl Estate, it will be displayed as part of the upcoming "Port/raits of Tanjong Pagar: Encounters with Art in the Neighbourhood" art trail, which seeks to showcase the district's transformation over the decades.

According to Divaagar, the artwork was inspired by the various housing developments from different eras found in the vicinity of Everton Park. 

"In this work, I wanted to create miniature models with features adopted from some of the architecture that exists within the area, and translate them to the feathered folk of the area as a playful imagination of where progress can take us," he said.

Commenting on the reactions received from the public so far, Divaagar responded: "I think it's great!

"I feel that the presence of the junglefowl has been quite contentious for some residents, but for the most part people seem to resonate through love for animals, or find the humour in it through their housing experiences."  

The art trail will be launched on April 29.