And so it was that Lizzy returned home with a head full of ostrich feathers. She felt very proud of herself for now she had a mane - at least of sorts - and she strutted a bit as she walked.

"You look ridiculous," laughed her brothers. "Take off the bird hat before our friends see it." And they followed her around the den trying to grab at the feathers.

"Leave her alone," said their mother, and chased them outside.

But despite all the teasing Lizzy continued to wear the feathers. She spent a lot of time studying her reflection in a pool, and had decided that although they were not as nice as a real mane, they were better than being bald. She did, however, find them annoying at times.

The feather mane made her head hotter in summer, and sometimes it got into her eyes and she couldn't see properly. It also took a lot of time to brush and comb and get the knots out.