Elizabeth Wilkinson and children Malachi and Ellery with survivor, Mellow.
By Kath Gannaway
A HEALESVILLE family is appealing for the return of six pet chooks stolen in a brazen raid on their Donovan’s Road property.
Elizabeth Wilkinson found two white chooks dead, their necks snapped, and all but one of the remainder of their flock missing when she went out to feed them on Sunday morning, 6 June.
Ms Wilkinson said the chooks were much-loved family pets.
A black and white speckled hen, a black hen, and four Isa browns are missing.
“It’s horrible and the kids are really upset by it all,” Ms Wilkinson said.
“We had had Penny for three years, and Brandy and Ruby for two years.” The others were a year old and had been raised from day-old chicks.
Mellow was the only survivor.
“All the chooks were locked in the pen, which is very secure, but Mellow preferred to sleep in the outside shed, and that probably saved her,” said Ms Wilkinson.
She said a trail of feathers leading from the doorway, and the fact that the door was still bolted ruled out the possibility of a fox or dog attack.
“We are hoping they are still alive and that perhaps they have been given or sold to someone as layers,” Ms Wilkinson said.
Healesville police are investigating the theft and Senior Constable Ian Harris said anyone with information should contact the police station on 5962 4422.
