The Rev Yong Xhing said Buddhist and Taoist groups would hold the ceremonies to avoid disaster in the territory, the Chinese-language Wen Wei Po daily newspaper reported.

The rites were to "appease" the dead chickens and other birds "because mass slaughter of live animals is an unlucky omen," the Buddhist monk said.

"The mass culling of birds may bring disaster to Hong Kong and to avoid such disaster we will have to hold the rites."

He said the move was made out of "love for Hong Kong."

Buddhism and Taoism are traditional Chinese religions and their deities are often honoured together within one temple.

The expected shortage of chickens in Hong Kong is also expected to affect a number of religious activities at the Lunar New Year.

Lion dances usually start with the lion's eyes being "opened" with a drop of fresh chicken's blodd, although the South China Morning Post quoted a fung shui expert as saying that a cabbage would do.

"It's not necessary to use chicken," Mr Raymond Lo Hang-lap said. "A ball or colourful green plants can be used."

Offerings to the Earth god "dei jyi", which often include chicken, would be just as effective with other meals, Lo said.

- Sapa-AFP