A man was driving far too fast round narrow country lanes when a cockerel flew out of a garden gate in front of the car meeting its demise in a cloud of blood, bone and feathers.
The driver, full of remorse, knocked on the door of the cottage to explain and apologise. He was met by an angry glare from an old lady who opened the door.
The man launched into a rambling explanation and babbling apology while the old lady kept up her angry unblinking stare.
Feeling that he was not making the situation any better the man reassured the old lady that he was more than willing to replace the cockerel.
The old lady continued to glare for a good few moment more and then said “please yourself, the hens are round the back”, then slammed the door.