A baby squirrel that was “adopted” by a hen after becoming separated from his mum is now being cared for at a wildlife rescue centre.

The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was called in to help after the young red squirrel, which are known as kits, was spotted sleeping under a chicken for several days last week at a farm in Tayport in Fife.

Animal rescue officer Beth Galbraith said: “We received a call from a member of the public who advised a squirrel had been coming into their hen house and sleeping under a chicken for several days.

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

“The hen wasn’t fussed at all with the new addition.”

The squirrel is now being cared for at the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Clackmannanshire.

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Ms Galbraith added: “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 is advised to call the Scottish SPCA’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

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