A youngster has been left distraught after thieves stole her beloved brood of chickens.
Not only did they make off with the hens, the chicken rustlers also stole the family’s old hen house, feed bin and feeders.
Now mum Jennifer Kinns is appealing to anyone who may have been given or bought a chicken in the last few days to think long and hard in case they have inadvertently ended up with one of Isla’s pets.
Jennifer was shocked on Sunday morning to find all six chickens gone from the garden bordering the edge of Blairadam Forest.
“Some time overnight someone must have got in over the back fence.
“They’ve taken the six chickens out of the hen house. They did not take the new hen house we have but they did take an older one.
“They’ve also broken into the dog kennel to take the chicken feed bin and feeders. They’ve taken the whole lot.”
There was one bright moment for the family when they did find one chicken cowering under the hedge later on Sunday, but of the rest there has been no trace.
“We are on the route through Keltybridge to Maryburgh, and the chickens are on the edge of the garden, so anyone walking by could have seen them.
“It does feel in a way as though someone has planned it, but that is frightening to think about,” she said.
“The chickens all had names, and Isla is distraught about it. It’s just been awful.”
With the family getting the first chickens three years ago, Isla has never known a time without her feathered friends.
“We are hoping now someone doesn’t realise they have been stolen, maybe they’ve bought chickens and have no idea and if they do realise they may return them,” she added.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman confirmed they were investigating the theft of a number of chickens along with a chicken coup from a farm in Keltybridge which happened overnight on Saturday March 7.
Anyone with information that can assist with inquiries is urged to contact police on 101.