Shamefaced, Marie-Anne admitted that in a moment of over exuberance, Megan had inadvertently consumed one of Kate’s costly fayoumis. This disaster propelled her inexorably, to Salisbury Market, where top price (£2.00) was paid (amongst other purchases) for a cockerel (to the delight of other bidders).The cockerel bought to improve the egg laying capacity in Frogham was carried home for Tim in the hopes that if told not to crow he would not notice. Tim’s patience and forbearance was relied on to cover the fact that few if any eggs would be available. Chicken rearing has been challenging for this talented cycling team. A hen rushed to Dr. Duncton’s surgery in the utilitarian Bankok Chicken Carrier (on loan from Hen Haven) and operated on for a blocked crop. Though Nina’s surgery was successful, the doughty layer expired in the recovery suite. Apparently a useful remedy for blocked crop is to simply turn the affected foul upside down, causing it to vomit. Tim did warn anyone attempting this feat, should be appropriately clothed as he was covered in projectile bile when he carried out the manoeuvre.