"It's all right," he says in low soothing tones, for the sake of both the chicken and the dog. "Shh, shh."

The poor chick struggles but Number 6's grip is gentle but firm, keeping Ernest from being able to wiggle too far out of reach. But the chick doesn't seem to have any hard feelings once it's over, judging by how he nuzzles against Number 6's fingers.

"I had no idea they could be this affectionate," Number 6 says, as he gently strokes the chick's head. "Maybe it helps that I, too, have feathers."