The RSPCA is reporting that chickens are being abandoned across the country after many people bought bought chicks during lockdown and now can’t take care of them - particularly in light of bird flu warnings. The animal welfare charity, which operates across England and Wales, is concerned at the number of hens and cockerels being abandoned and fears rescue centres will be overrun with birds soon. Up to November 30 this year the RSPCA had dealt with 1,594 incidents related to chickens across England and Wales, including 18 in Cornwall, and has had abandonment incidents relating to 1,562 birds. The charity has also taken 280 chickens into its centres for rehoming.