Jess’ Barnyard thanks community for tracking down stolen Alexandrine Parrots

A pair of stunning but vulnerable parrots are safely back home after a woman carried out a brazen daytime theft right under the nose of staff. Now, the owner is thanking the community for banding together to help solve the shocking crime.

It was a Christmas miracle for one Western Downs business, with the community banding together to make sure two young parrots came home safe.

On December 17, CCTV captured a woman strolling into Jess’ Barnyard in Dalby, and walking right out with two young Alexandrine parrots.

“She actually walked straight past us at the counter. We were busy serving … we didn’t hear a peep,” owner Jess Banks said.

When Ms Banks went to check on the pair later, she discovered them missing and was terrified.

The young birds are still being weaned onto normal food, and needed to be fed at least once a day.

“(It was worrying) not knowing if they were going to survive for long in somebody else’s care,” she said.

Ms Banks said she “didn’t sleep well” while the birds were missing, fearing for their health.

Jess' Barnyard owner Jess Banks with two Alexandrine parrots that were stolen in a shocking theft.

She posted to her facebook page calling for help to track them down and the response was incredible, with hundreds of shares and comments quickly helping to track down leads.

“It was absolutely amazing. Massive thank you to everybody that shared it (and) gave the police information,” Ms Banks said.

“So many people were even searching Gumtree to see if there were ads for the birds up for sale.

“It took a community to get them back. It was just amazing to see so many people get behind us and share and care and have a heart to know that they needed to be back home.”

The birds are now safely back with Ms Banks, and while a little weaker for their experience, they are settling in well.

The experienced animal supply store owner said thefts of animals were common from stores, but usually occurred overnight if stores left animals in the shop.

“People don’t normally have the nerve to try and do it during the day because it just takes one squawk,” she said.

She also praised the local police who worked to help get the birds back home.

A Queensland Police spokesman confirmed investigations into the incident were ongoing.