Sheffield woman WON’T shut down aviary after beloved birds stolen during break-in

Susan Dawson of Stannington who had lost at least 25 cockatiel birds and a number of budgies during the incident, said she was overwhelmed by the kindness and support.

She said the messages she received were from Facebook, when she first posted about the missing birds.

"I can't thank them enough...I thought I popped it on Facebook so the people I know and my friends might be able to look for the birds.

"I never thought all of these people I don't know would help me...It's been overwhelming, really."

Mrs Dawson, who keeps the birds as her favourite pastime and puts some for sale occasionally, decided to keep going despite the incident.

She said this when asked if she would accept the offer from some people who would want to rehome the remaining birds.

"I think I'm going to carry on with them. I love looking after them. It gives you a purpose in life. I know some people have offered many lovely things.

"I can't thank everybody enough. And this bouquet of flowers came in today, and it's from the people I don't know," she said.

Mrs Dawson said she has 10 cockatiels left which didn't get out and the little babies that were on the floor. She also said that two budgies have returned to her.

"I've still got a few to look after but I wish I could get the rest back," she said.

She also said she was more sad rather than traumatised.

"I'm hoping it's somebody I don't know. If somebody I knew I would think, the birds don't disturb anyone.

"It's upsetting but it's nothing that we can do. I just hope the birds, none of them are suffering."

She said the police have today (November 11) visited her home and conducted enquiries around the neighbourhood.

"The police took details of other things and they make enquiries now, and they said they would let us know if they come up on anything.”