mmg.com.au

They may only be tiny, but some baby chooks have made a big splash at a Shepparton primary school.

The chicks, who are only days old, made their debut at Bourchier St Primary School yesterday after they were donated by a Dookie resident.

On Friday, The News ran a story about the school’s pet chooks — police and teachers believed 13 chooks were killed in an attack last week.

Yesterday, 21 new chicks arrived at the school, much to the delight of students and staff.

Year 3 student Tyra Loveridge said she was excited to meet the new pets.

‘‘They’re fluffy and sometimes sleepy,’’ the nine-year-old said.

Dion Steigenberger, also nine, said he was looking forward to caring for the chicks.

‘‘They eat a lot,’’ Dion said.

Principal Judy Park said the school had been inundated with offers of new chooks as well as new fencing, cages and security measures.

‘‘It’s very generous,’’ Ms Park said.

‘‘The kids were thrilled to see and hold on to the baby chickens.

‘‘We can only appreciate how kind people have been.’’

Dookie resident Leigh Morey donated the chicks to the school after hearing about the story last week.

‘‘Well, I saw what had happened and I just thought it was not a very nice thing to happen,’’ Mr Morey said.

Mr Morey said he bred chooks to sell and did not think twice about donating the new chicks to the school.

‘‘They deserve to have them’’ he said.

Tyra said she had a message for Mr Morey.

‘‘Thank you very much,’’ she said.

‘‘We will look after them good,’’ Dion added.

To watch a video of the new chicks, visit www.sheppnews.com.au