Red squirrel kit rescued after being 'adopted' by a hen

A member of the public called the SSPCA after the kit was seen going into their hen house.

Red squirrel kit rescued by SSPCA after being ‘adopted’ by a hen in Tayport SSPCA

A red squirrel kit who was “adopted” by a hen is now being cared for by a wildlife rescue centre.

The baby is now in the care of the centre after being found under a hen on a farm in Tayport on August 16.

The Scottish SPCA received a call from a member of the public who reported the squirrel coming into their hen house and sleeping under a chicken for several days.

The kit had likely been separated from his mother and was seeking warmth and comfort from the hen.

The red squirrel kit who was found seeking comfort under a hen.SSPCA

Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer, Beth Galbraith, said: “The hen wasn’t fussed at all with the new addition!

“The kit was very thin and dehydrated so is now under the care of our wildlife hospital who will rear him until he is healthy and old enough to be released back into the wild.

“This was a very unusual rescue but also a very cute one!

“Anyone who finds an animal in distress should call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999. Advice on squirrels can also be found on our website here.

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