The Imperious Hens meet every morning at the same time. One reason is to grab some of the cat food Maria or I bring out every morning. If we’re not paying attention, they go for it. If we are there, they look away and pretend to be innocent.

These hens are unlike any other chickens we have had; they have a will and posture. Hawks fly overhead all the time but move way quickly. These hens do not fear us and come running when we cluck at them.

I’d give anything to get inside that meeting and sense their daily planning when the session is over; the Imperious Hens all charge off together in one direction, like football players coming out of the huddle.