Miley Cyrus praised for adopting a chicken

Miley Cyrus has been praised for adopting a chicken.

The singer-and-actress has been honoured with a Compassionate Citizen Award by peta2 - the youth division of animal rights group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) - after taking home the bird from the set of 'Hannah Montana: The Movie' because she "thought the bird was adorable and needed saving".

The 16-year-old star also convinced her mother Trish to take on the care of several other chickens.

A source said: "She packed up a few of the birds and sent them home with her mother.

Miley felt sorry for the chickens because they were sad to be working."

PETA hope Miley's actions will encourage her young fans to also care for animals.

Dan Shannon, the organisation's assistant director of Youth Outreach and Campaigns, said: "Miley's heart is as big as her smile. We hope that her act of compassion will inspire her fans to be kind to animals too."

Later this month, Miley will receive a framed certificate and a card signed by PETA staff to acknowledge her Compassionate Citizen Award.

This is not the first time Miley has helped an animal.

Last year, she and her dad, singer Billy Ray Cyrus, found a lost dog in her neighbourhood and stayed with the pooch until it was reunited with its owner.