An animal welfare charity is calling for caring livestock owners to help three cockerels fly the coop.

Hans, Christian and Anderson - named after The Ugly Ducking author Hans Christian Andersen - have been in the care of the Scottish SPCA in Edinburgh for more than 285 days.

Scottish SPCA superintendent Sharon Comrie explained that the charity often cares for cockerels for years before they find their new families, with new birds arriving every month.

She 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.

Superintendent Comrie added: "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, please contact the SSPCA on 03000 999 999 or visit scottishspca.org/rehome.