A COUPLE of bird lovers from Poole are appealing for help after two dangerous parrots worth £2,000 were stolen from their garden.

The rare African Grey parrots went missing from the rainforest aviary of Claire and Spencer Stockley, of Northmead Drive, Creekmoor.

They believe the theft must have been carefully planned and carried out by professionals because the birds are so aggressive.

Mrs Stockley said: "These are not friendly birds. They are completely wild and would be impossible to catch or transport unless they knew exactly what they were doing.

"If you put your hands near these birds, they will take your finger off in a second."

Thieves smashed the padlock on the gate, and broke into the aviary.

The birds are very distinctive. Both are over one foot in height and one has a completely bald head that makes it look like a vulture.

"We keep them in separate cages, and the male constantly tries to get the female's attention by pecking at her head through the bars.

"It's left her totally bald."

Breeding pairs of African Greys are much sought-after since they produce around 12 eggs a year, and each bird can fetch up to £1,000.

"I'm devastated," said Mrs Stockley. "I've been into birds all my life and it's taken so much effort to get them ready for breeding. They will often kill each other if they don't get on, but these two had begun nesting.

"It's obvious to me that they've been stolen to order."

Police are keen to hear from anybody who was in the Northmead Drive area between 7pm on Saturday, January 20, and 3am on Sunday, 21.

A spokesperson said: "We're keen to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area or heard any unusual noises.

"They should phone Dorset Police anonymously 01202 222222."