Chickens are sticklers for routine. Ours expect me to be present when their electronic door opens around 7am. A crowd with no manners at all comes rushing out into the run. They stand on each others’ heads, squeal in outrage and generally huff and puff. It’s usual chicken society, that is. If their breakfast and drinking water aren’t waiting for them, however, all hell truly breaks loose. I was late this morning, so when I went outside they were all waiting for me, beaks up to the mesh, eyes displaying a mixture of concern (not for me—for the whereabouts of [...]