50-year-old parrot stolen from Norfolk aviary

The doors of the aviary which was broken ionto Picture: Swallow Aquatics (Image: Archant)

Thieves struck at Swallow Aquatics at East Harling, near Attleborough, overnight.

Staff arrived at the business, on the B1111 Harling Road, to find the birds had been taken.

A padlock which was cut using bolt croppers Picture: Swallow Aquatics (Image: Archant)

Livestock supervisor Branden Darlison-Hoskin said: "There were two blue and gold macaws, Albert and Lily and the other two were African greys, Burt and Daisy.

"Our manager has had Burt for more than 30 years and he was given to him by someone who'd had him for 20 so he is more than 50 years old.

'Doddery old gentleman' Burt, whose owner fears could die of stress after being stolen Picture: Swallow Aquatics (Image: Archant)

"With all the stress I'd be surprised if he makes it to be honest.

"We came in this morning and both aviary doors were open and the padlocks had been cut with bolt croppers. I believe whoever has taken them knows what they're doing."

One of the birds which were stolen Picture: Swallow Aquatics (Image: Archant)

Mr Darlison-Hoskin said the birds would normally sell for £1,000, while African greys require paperwork to show that they are captive bred and have not been taken from the wild.

Police have been informed of the theft.

One of the stolen blue and gold mackaws Picture: Swallow Aquatics (Image: Archant)