Hundreds of exotic birds stolen from family business in Strathroy, Ont.

At first, it was a hobby. 

But after Peter Van Erp's wife passed away just over a year ago, it became something more. 

That's when he began finding solace in breeding and selling exotic birds out of his barn in Strathroy, Ont., west of London. 

From there, Van Erp, 79, keeps thousands of colourful birds ranging from canaries, diamond doves and star finches. The activity, he says, fills his days and serves as an extra source of income. 

However, on Tuesday morning Van Erp noticed something strange. As he entered the barn for the first check-in of the day, he saw that some of the birds were flying outside of their cages, although he remembered securing them as usual the night before . 

Taking a closer look, he realized hundreds had gone missing. 

"I don't think there's any hope of getting them back," said Van Erp, who believes the birds were stolen by thieves who had toured the barn days earlier posing as prospective buyers. 

"These guys, I think, were professionals."

Van Erp has filed a report with the OPP.  He thinks the thieves entered the barn at between 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Monday, January 17. He and his family are now concerned that the birds are being sold on the black market. 

Van Erp said his insurance only covers the cost of cages and equipment. 

The missing birds are valued at between $16,000 and $17,000. 

"He is devastated," said his daughter, Lauri Whitbourn. She started an online fundraiser to help her father recoup some of the losses, and pay for seed for the remaining birds. 

"He just doesn't know what to say at this point." 

The family is pleading with the public to contact the OPP with any helpful information.