Hah. She was in on the joke; we had dinner at my daughter's, so we pulled it on her. She was simply incredulous and speechless for about 15 seconds, looking at the small bird...and then she caught on and just grinned, and said something like "Oh, boy...a chicken all just for me". It was fun. She is kinda used to me and my tricks, but I really got her with one of my best. It went like this:
I called her on the phone, this was before caller ID was so widespread, so I caught her by surprise. In my best fake English accent, I said: "This is Robin Leach from the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous...and I have chosen to feature you and your life on one of my future programs...would that be acceptable for you?" Looooong pause; I could just imagine the wheels turning. Pretty soon, in a slightly irritated voice, she says: "Dad, you wierdo". I laughed my butt off.