The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is looking for a home for two cockerels – Homer and Simpson – after they were found abandoned in Kent.
The cockerels were recovered in late-December 2022 by staff at Richborough Recycling Centre in Sandwich, who then contacted the RSPCA.
RSPCA inspector Kirsten Ormerod, who retrieved the chickens, said they had been discarded “like rubbish” at the recycling centre, and were very lucky to have been spotted and saved.
She then took the cockerels to the RSPCA’s Millbrook Animal Centre in Surrey where, she says, they have “been getting some TLC (tender loving care) ever since”.
Ormerod said she tried to find out who had abandoned the pet chickens but never uncovered any information.
Elizabeth Wood, deputy manager at RSPCA Millbrook, said: “Homer and Simpson are two lovely boys who enjoy cuddles and strokes. Homer is a bit more confident, but Simpson just needs a little bit of time and he soon warms up to you.
“It’s really sad to see more chickens abandoned, which has proven a big issue for the RSPCA in recent years. Homer and Simpson’s story is a reminder – doh-n’t abandon chickens.
“We know life is Duff out there at the moment – but if you are struggling financially, look for resources like our new Cost of Living hub for help.
“We’re not sure these two will end up in Springfield – but they do need a new home.
“They get on very well together at the moment but they would like a home where they can live with other hens and this does mean that they will need to be rehomed separately, otherwise they will end up competing for the attention of the females!
“They will need to live in a large, secure chicken coop and have a secure run to explore too. They love to scratch around in mud and grass. While they won’t eat your shorts, they love live mealworms as well as some apple.”
