Two chickens have been found abandoned in a box at a rubbish dump.

Staff found the pair of cockerels inside a cardboard box at Richborough Recycling Centre in Sandwich.

The duo – named Homer and Simpson – were rescued by the RSPCA after being found last month.

Volunteers at the charity, which says there have been more than 5,000 chickens reported as abandoned or neglected, had said the feathered friends were "very lucky" that they had been found.

Inspector Kirsten Ormerod, who attended the recycling centre in Ramsgate Road to rescue the pair, said: "These poor cockerels had literally been dumped like rubbish at the recycling centre so they were very lucky that someone spotted them and contacted us for help.

"I then took them to RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre in Surrey where they’ve been getting some TLC ever since."

Ms Ormerod investigated to try to track down the person responsible for abandoning the chickens but no information came to light.

Following their ordeal, the black and tan pair – nicknamed after one of the world's most famous cartoon characters – are now looking for their forever homes.

Elizabeth Wood, deputy manager at RSPCA Millbrook in Chobham near Woking, said: “Homer and Simpson are two lovely boys who enjoy cuddles and strokes. Homer is a bit more confident, but Simpson just needs a little bit of time and he soon warms up to you.

"We're not sure these two will end up in Springfield - but they do need a new home.

"They get on very well together at the moment but they would like a home where they can live with other hens and this does mean that they will need to be rehomed separately, otherwise they will end up competing for the attention of the females.

“They will need to live in a large, secure chicken coop and have a secure run to explore too. They love to scratch around in mud and grass. While they won’t eat your shorts, they love live mealworms as well as some apple.”

Kate Norman, poultry expert at the charity, said: “Keeping chickens has become increasingly popular in recent years but it’s incredibly sad to see so many of them being abandoned and neglected.

"We are concerned that we could see an increase in the number of dumped chickens due to the cost of living crisis and concerns over bird flu.

“We would urge anyone who is struggling to care for their pets to please reach out for help from friends or family, or charities. Please never abandon any animal.”