Nadines Parrot

Nadine received a parrot for her birthday. The parrot was fully grown with a bad attitude and a dreadful vocabulary. In fact, every other word was an expletive. Nadine tried hard to change the bird's behaviour. She spoke in soft tones, using polite words, played calming music and created a soothing environment. And of course she did everything possible to set the rude bird a good example. But the gentle approach didn't work. Frustrated, Nadine shook the bird, and shouted angrily that she'd had ENOUGH! But the parrot just became louder and more obstreperous, and its language more appalling. In a frenzy of sheer desperation, Nadine put the parrot in the freezer. For a few moments she heard the bird squawking profanities and kicking. Then suddenly there was quiet. Nadine was alarmed. Had she actually hurt the bird? Quickly and anxiously, she opened the freezer door. Completely unruffled, the parrot stepped out neatly onto Nadine's arm and said politely, "I'm truly sorry if have offended you with my language and actions and ask for your forgiveness. I will endeavour to correct my behaviour." Astounded at the bird's change in attitude, Nadine was about to ask what had made such a dramatic change when the parrot continued, "May I ask what the chicken did?"