People in Bowthorpe could be set for a rude awakening tomorrow morning.

Natalie Taylor and her two young children were surprised to see what they thought was a small dog on the loose at 8.30am today.

As the family got closer, they found it was in fact a cockerel. 

Norwich Evening News: Natalie Taylor was able to keep track of the Cockerels morning route, shown here Natalie Taylor was able to keep track of the Cockerels morning route, shown here (Image: Natalie Taylor)

She said: “We were very surprised to see a cockerel in the area.  

“It responded to my kids who were calling for his attention by looking before deciding to continue his travels.” 

Natalie posted a video on social media but nobody has yet claimed him.  

The family followed for as long as they could, but then he disappeared into woodland in the Chapel Break area.

Kevin Murphy from Norfolk Wildlife Rescue said: “The bird may be highly stressed if far away from home so I would advise contacting a rescue if he is spotted again.

“Chasing is also unnecessary, this may prevent his recapture.” 

Kevin said that he hopes someone claims him as rehoming a cockerel is hard enough and will be even harder with added fears about bird flu.