RSPCA fears surge of abandoned lockdown chickens in Derbyshire as owners try to contain bird flu outbreak

Local cases were among more than 1,594 which the charity dealt with nationwide, and rescue centres now face the possibility of being overrun with birds.

A 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.

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

They added: “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 problem could be further compounded by an outbreak of bird flu, with confirmed cases being reported in both wild birds and captive birds across the UK, including sites in Derbyshire and Cheshire.

Government biosecurity protocols mean that bird keepers have been required to keep their flocks contained indoors since December 14, and the RSPCA is echoing that message.

Poultry welfare specialist Kate Parkes said: “It’s really important that owners follow Government advice to help protect the health of their birds and limit the spread of the virus.

“All 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.”

She added: “We’re concerned that worries about bird flu may lead to more owners abandoning their pets, putting more pressure on rescue centres.”

For details of those birds currently waiting to be rehomed by the RSPCA, see https://www.rspca.org.uk/findape.

For the latest advice on bird flu, see https://bit.ly/2Lok5kQ.