A reprieve has been declared.  Not through any sympathy or softness of heart, simply through practicality.  The first of the cockerels destined for the pot has been given another twenty four hours on death row.  It was placed in isolation for two reasons.  One reason was to empty its crop.  The second reason, a more important one, is to make its capture a less stressful event when the time comes.  However, the twenty four hours has now become forty eight as we have found ourselves with little time today.  Not enough time for two amateurs to attempt to slaughter, gut and roast a whole chicken.  So, we fed it another meal this morning and I have another evening to consult my mentor Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and his books.