The RSPCA is reminding people of the importance of fully considering if they should take on pets after three young chickens were abandoned by a doorstep in Liverpool last weekend.
The chickens were discovered by residents of Roxburgh Street in Liverpool, who opened their door to find the baby birds roaming free on the alley outside, on Sunday morning (22 April).
RSPCA animal collection officer Heather Cook was called out to collect the birds, who thankfully were not suffering any ill health.
ACO Cook said: “Sadly, it’s common for us to be called about abandoned chickens. We are often called to collect male chickens as they don’t produce eggs and can be very noisy and are often unwanted because they are difficult to sell or rehome. For the same reasons, some people resort to abandoning them.
“It’s so important that you fully consider the implications of taking on any pets and farm animals, like any animals kept as pets, really do require lots of care and consideration, not to mention time, knowledge and the right facilities.
“It’s just really sad to think these sweet little chickens were unwanted and somebody thought it was appropriate to leave them on somebody else’s property, and just abandon their responsibility. You can visit the RSPCA website for more information on the specifics of keeping chickens as pets and I really urge anyone considering keeping chickens to do so. Like any other animal, they really shouldn’t be a pet that is taken on without careful consideration.”
Thankfully, ACO Cook was able to take the chickens (pictured above) to a chicken specialist nearby who will be able to rear them properly and give them all the care they need.
She added: “For anyone who is certain they can provide a suitable home for poultry, we have a number of chickens, ducks and cockerels who have also been abandoned or rescued, and are looking for new homes. You can find out more by visiting our Find A Pet search on our website.”
Anybody with information about who may have been responsible for abandoning the chicks can contact the RSPCA by calling the inspector’s appeal line in 0300 123 8018.