A surge in chick purchasing during lockdown is resulting in disinterested owners abandoning their chickens - sparking fears rescue centres will soon be overrun with birds.

The RSPCA has reported a sharp rise in hens and cockerels being dumped, with 35 incidents in Kent this year.

The welfare charity says it has dealt with almost 1,600 bird-abandonment cases in 2020 and expects more heading into the new year.

In Canterbury this month, three chickens were left rejected in a tiny, filthy cage - while in Offham back in October, a large flock of more than 20 birds were abandoned before being taken in by a rescue centre.

The RSPCA says the demand for chicks soared back in peak lockdown due to fears over egg shortages, which also lead to a rise in bird thefts.

But now, the country is thought to be riddled with wantaway chicken owners.

A charity spokesperson said: “Concerns were raised during lockdown about the increase in pet acquisition and ownership, and we feared that people would soon lose interest and start to hand their animals over once life started to return to normal.

“In the spring, many hen producers reported huge surges in demand for chicks and we believe this may be because people panic bought birds due to shortages of eggs in the supermarkets but, due to the shops being better stocked, are now 'surplus to requirement’.

"There are also concerns that some families may have taken on unsexed chicks, which have grown into noisy cockerels so are now being abandoned."

The RSPCA fears the problem could worsen as cases of bird flu are confirmed across the country, in both wild birds and captive birds.

This means owners need to keep their birds contained indoors from 14 December and the charity recommends the owners of all captive birds follow the Government’s biosecurity advice.

Kate Parkes, poultry welfare specialist at the RSPCA, said: "All pet poultry owners need to stay vigilant for signs of disease and ill health in their flocks and it’s vital they seek veterinary advice if they have any concerns for their birds.

“We’re concerned that worries about bird flu and changes to how we’re allowed to keep hens may lead to more owners abandoning their pets, putting more pressure on rescue centres.

“It’s really important that owners follow government biosecurity advice to help protect the health of their birds as well as to try and limit the spread of the virus."

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