Browse ›
Grandmother in a floral apron sprinkling grain for brown hens while a black and white Havanese sniffs the ground among them. 10 / 29

Abuela Was Feeding the Hens. One Member of the Flock Looked a Little Different.

AI imagehavanesechickensbackyard

A golden trickle of grain falls from Abuela's hand onto the concrete, and the hens rush in to claim it. She leans forward in a chambray shirt and flowered apron, carefully scattering the feed so everyone gets a share. Three brown chickens peck eagerly at her feet, and right in the middle of the flock is Chispa, nose to the ground, trying to figure out what all the fuss is about. A blue laundry basket of towels, a terracotta pot, rubber boots, a green watering can and a basket of onions crowd the cozy, well-used side yard.

Many small dogs can learn to live calmly with backyard chickens, though it takes patience and supervision. Early introductions should be slow and leashed, with lots of praise when the dog stays relaxed. Some dogs have a strong urge to chase, so never assume a small size means a gentle nature with birds. It is also wise to discourage dogs from eating chicken feed or droppings, which can upset their stomachs and may carry germs. Washing hands after handling poultry and keeping the coop clean protects people and pets alike. If your dog seems unwell after spending time around the coop, talk to your vet.

For now, the arrangement seems to work. The hens get their breakfast, Chispa gets to investigate every crumb, and Abuela gets a morning full of company.

More from this collection

All 29 →
Grandmother in a floral apron sorting old black and white photos at a kitchen table with a Havanese beside her.Abuela Spread the Old Family Photos on the Table. Chispa Hopped Up to Help.Grandmother in a floral apron holding a white coffee mug on wooden porch steps beside a black and white Havanese.Abuela's First Cup of Coffee on the Front Steps Always Comes With a Lookout
Grandmother in a floral apron sitting on a lake dock with bare feet in the water beside a black and white Havanese.Abuela Dipped Her Bare Feet in the Lake. Chispa Had No Plans to Join Her.Grandmother in a floral apron fitting jigsaw puzzle pieces at a table while a Havanese sits on a wooden chair.Abuela Was Deep Into Her Jigsaw Puzzle. The Judge Was in the Next Chair.Grandmother in a floral apron whittling a small piece of wood on a porch at dusk while a Havanese watches the shavings.Abuela Whittled on the Porch at Dusk. Chispa Watched Every Curl Fall.Grandmother in a gray sweater and floral apron tucking a cream blanket around a Havanese lying in a round gray dog bed.Abuela Tucked Chispa In for the Night. Chispa Wasn't Quite Ready to Sleep.