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An older man pours chicken feed from his hand to a group of brown hens while a tuxedo cat walks among them. 35 / 37

Grandpa Scattered the Chicken Feed and Domino Strolled Right Into the Flock

AI imagetuxedo catbackyard chickensfarm life

Golden feed pours from Grandpa's cupped hand in a steady stream, and the backyard hens crowd in around his boots, pecking busily at every grain. He leans over them with a gentle, concentrated look, the way someone does when they've performed this chore a thousand times and still enjoy it. Right in the middle of the flock, Domino picks his way through the commotion with white feet stepping carefully, looking up at Grandpa as if to ask what all the fuss is about. The chickens, for their part, barely notice him.

Cats and backyard chickens can often coexist peacefully, especially when the cat grows up around them. Adult hens are fairly large and can be quite assertive, so many cats learn to give them space. Chicks are a different story, since their size and quick movements can trigger a cat's hunting instinct, so they should always be kept safely enclosed. Introductions go best slowly and under supervision. It's also a good idea to keep chicken feed stored in a closed container, as it can attract rodents, and to wash your hands after handling poultry, since chickens can carry germs that make people sick.

Domino seems to have reached an understanding with the flock: he doesn't bother them, and they don't bother him. It's a very civilized arrangement for a busy morning.

On a little homestead like this, everyone has a role, and Domino's appears to be official supervisor.

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