Animal rescuers saved 21 cockerels who were abandoned by the side of the A1 in Northumberland.
The birds were dumped in a wooded area just off the busy road, near the village of Belford.
It is believed the male birds had become "surplus" to the requirements of the owner who left them to fend for themselves.
In total, 19 of the birds were caught by RSPCA staff and caring members of the public on Friday, January 10.
The last two were caught a couple of days later by a villager.
RSPCA inspector Trevor Walker said: “We had a call about a large number of cockerels that had been dumped.
“Two of our animal collection officers, Terry Haley and Dave Dawson, attended but realised it was going to take more pairs of hands than they had between them to catch these birds.
“Four of us went along and, with the help of four local people - who were absolutely brilliant - used netting to corral as many as possible into a safe place.
“The last two were caught by one of the local people a couple of days later and, really happily, they were so taken with them that they decided to offer them a forever home.”
The 19 cockerels who were taken into RSPCA care were temporarily boarded at the RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre before being moved to the Chuckery, who look after and rehome poultry in Accrington, Lancashire.
Mr Walker said: “Whoever dumped these birds in this way gave absolutely no consideration to their welfare. Things definitely could have turned out a lot worse for them.
“We suspect they were abandoned as they were surplus to someone’s requirements.
“If anyone has any information about who owned the cockerels please call the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
“They’re very pretty, in good health and doing well at the Chuckery and it sounds as though they’ll soon be in great new homes.”
Anyone interested in rehoming a cockerel is asked to contact Tracy Harrison on 07834 568820.
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need you can visit their website .
