Four chickens who were part of a flock found abandoned on a village green are looking for new homes.

In October, the RSPCA was called to reports of a large number of cockerels and hens on the loose in Offham after they had been dumped.

Over several days, 17 were rounded up and rescued by inspectors and placed in the care of a local rescue centre.

Since then, all but four have found their forever homes.

Sadly Norris, Larry, Rufio and Spike have not been so clucky and are still on the search for a place to live.

RSPCA Inspector Kirsten Ormerod, who helped with the rescue effort, said: “The four boys are so handsome and charming and friendly it’s such a shame they are still waiting to find their perfect home.

“Given everything they have been through they really do deserve a second chance and I’m sure there is someone out there who could offer them a new home - perhaps with their own flock of hens.

“The boys do not need to be rehomed together - but would need to be homed with some hen friends.”

The charity fears more chickens are being abandoned during the pandemic after people bought chicks in lockdown but can no longer take care of them, particularly in light of bird flu warnings.

It is leading to concerns rescue centres could soon be overrun with birds.

Last year, the RSPCA dealt with 1,594 incidents related to chickens across England and Wales and has had abandonment incidents relating to 1,562 birds up to November 30.

The charity has also taken 280 chickens into its centres for rehoming.

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

If you are interested in offering a home to Norris, Larry. Rufio and Spike please contact Kirsten by calling 0300 1238018.

Visit the RSPCA website to find out more about keeping chickens as pets.

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