Boy’s six rare chickens stolen

Six rare breed chickens belonging to a five-year-old boy have been stolen from a barn in Shropshire.

The pet chickens are believed to have been “stolen to order” after they were taken from a smallholding in Queens Head, near Oswestry.

Chris Haycocks, said his son Daniel, had reared the one-year-old chickens from chicks.

He said the family had discovered them missing last Wednesday, adding: “The absence of any feathers, blood or disturbance suggested this was the work of a thief.”

One old hen had been left while the other six young hens had been taken. Mr Haycocks added: “I’ve spoken to a local rare breed breeder, who immediately concluded they had been stolen to order.

“We haven’t told Daniel they’ve been stolen and he believes they have just wandered off and that they’ll be back soon.”

Mr Haycocks is now appealing for the safe return of the animals, which included four silkies, two of which were white, one light grey, while the other was black. There were also two light grey Pekins.

Anyone who knows of the chickens’ whereabouts can call Mr Haycocks on 07725 962641.