The Scottish SPCA is asking people in Helensburgh if they can give a loving home to Huey, Dewey and Louie.

The trio are three of the four cockerels currently in the charity's care at its Dumbarton rescue and rehoming centre – while there are a further 18 currently being looked after at similar facilities across Scotland.

The Scottish SPCA has launched an appeal for people with specialist knowledge of looking after poultry to consider giving a permanent home to some of their avian residents to mark National Poultry Day on Tuesday.

Huey, Dewey and Louie – who were all found straying with a larger group of cockerels – have all been in care at the Dumbarton centre for 43 days, while their Dumbarton 'stablemate', Ace, arrived at the centre 29 days ago.

The longest cockerel residents in the Scottish SPCA's care are Hans, Christian and Anderson, who have been resident at the charity's Edinburgh centre for 285 days.

Scottish SPCA rescue and rehoming centre superintendent Sharon Comrie said, “Sadly we don't receive many enquiries about our cockerels.

“These birds require homes with specialist knowledge of their needs and plenty of space for them to roam around, hopefully with some female feathered friends.

“Whilst keeping poultry can be an enjoyable experience, it is regretful that cockerels are increasingly being kept in urban, domestic settings by inexperienced owners who have not considered the care and commitment these birds need.

“Cockerels can be extremely aggressive and will often attack or even kill other males and hens, especially when they are kept in unsuitable environments.

“Sadly, this has led to a rise in the number of abandoned and unwanted cockerels coming into our care.

“Cockerels are not domestic pets and should only ever be kept as livestock by experienced owners.

“Anyone looking to take on a cockerel needs to be knowledgeable and have the time and commitment to ensure they receive the specialist care and attention they need to be happy and healthy.”

If you are interesting in rehoming a cockerel, or any other animal, you can contact the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999 or visit www.scottishspca.org/rehome.