Thanks to an alert reader who wished to remain anonymous for sending this one in:

How would you like to ornament your desk with your very own TurdBird?

Seems this woman, Karen Engelmann, decided to take a lump of horse doody, jab some sticks, feathers and googly eyes into it, give it a clever name and market them (where else?) online.

While the concept seems outrageous, the end result is really pretty adorable (in my opinion). These items are not like those "pooPets" available in lawn centers and hardware stores; this is a durable, desk accessory. The only caveat provided on the website is to keep it out of direct sunlight, and away from heat. Apparently the heat causes the TurdBird to develop lepoosy (leprosy, sorry, kind of a long-shot).

The Turd is sealed in some sort of plastic coating, preventing further decomposition. There are basic TurdBirds available, for those out there with only $20 discretionary income (and no hobbies), or you can move up to the "Limited" or "Custom" lines. A bit more expensive, but possesses many more accessories, and generally would be a great gift for a career-person or a hobbyist.

If you DO buy one as a gift, be sure the recipient has the same twisted sense of humor the giver has; not too many people would be proud to display a chunk of shit with eyes.