TINY ducks stolen from a Kempsey garden are likely to be making a big noise, wherever they are.

The seven ducks and a drake, stolen from their pen in an overnight raid, were "call" ducks, named for their habit of calling to game birds passing overhead.

One black female, who is about nine years old and nearly blind, finds her way around by calling to the others, who keep in touch by quacking all the time.

"I only kept her for sentimental reasons and I don't like to think of her being separated from her pals," said owner John Harrison, of Bestmans Lane. I think the noise would annoy the neighbours if they are being kept on a housing estate."

He has been breeding call ducks as show birds for about 10 years and had exhibited three of the stolen ducks with some success.

In addition to the black one, there were two brown, one white and three mallards, plus a pure white drake.

Four other drakes were left behind and have now been moved for safekeeping.

"The fact that I have lost them is secondary.

"It's not knowing what has happened to them that worries me.

"Are they just in a cardboard box somewhere? Have they been split up?

"Are they being looked after properly?" said Mr Harrison. He appealed to anyone with any information about the stolen birds, which were taken between 10.30pm on Sunday and 7am on Monday, to call the police on 08457 444 888, quoting number 74C/250503.