The RSPCA has rescued two abandoned cockerels which had made a temporary home in a Durham cricket club.
The birds - one of whom had suffered a cut to his foot - were abandoned in a field near Brandon Cricket Club so a member of the public alerted the animal welfare charity.
When animal rescue officer Shane Lynn arrived at the location he was expecting to get in a bit of a flap to safely rescue the lively birds.
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But he was able to breathe a sigh of relief when he found they had taken refuge inside the foyer of the club’s bar last Saturday evening - before cocktails were served.
The birds were not showing any signs of avian flu so Shane took them to a vet before they were rehomed locally, where it is hoped they will both enjoy a long and healthy innings.
Shane said: “Someone at the club had noticed the two cockerels hanging around the grounds over a number of days.
“The club’s grounds are enormous and I was expecting to be given the runaround, but when I turned the corner there they were both standing at the door of the pub.
"One of the staff said they had found their way in there before so these lively birds were probably hoping for some liquid refreshments.
“We think they may have been dumped by their previous owner as they’d been around for quite a few days - and sadly cockerels are often abandoned in this way.
“One was injured and was bleeding. He had lost his tail feathers which may have been caught in something.
“As they showed no signs of Avian flu, they were both taken to the vets before thankfully we were able to arrange a suitable new home for this sociable pair - and we hope they are now cock-a-hoop with this arrangement.”
* To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit its website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.
