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Older Black woman crouches to scatter feed for brown hens while a white Bichon Frise stands among the chickens. 14 / 37

Grandma Scattered Feed for the Hens. One Member of the Flock Looked a Little Different.

AI imagebichon frisebackyard chickensfarm chores

Feeding time in the backyard draws a crowd. Grandma Loretta crouches low in her olive jacket, sprinkling a handful of grain onto the packed dirt, and a cluster of red-brown hens has rushed in to peck at every kernel. Right in the middle of the flock stands Cotton, his fluffy white curls a bright contrast to all those russet feathers. He's looking up toward the camera with an open-mouthed grin, completely at ease, as if he's an honorary chicken himself. Behind them, a weathered fence, a watering can and a stack of folded blankets on a bench complete the cozy, lived-in yard.

Dogs and backyard chickens can get along, but it takes training and supervision. Even friendly, gentle dogs may chase or nip at birds out of excitement, and chickens can be easily stressed or injured. Introductions should be slow and controlled, ideally with the dog on a leash, rewarding calm behavior around the flock. Bichon Frises are generally gentle and sociable, which can help, but every dog is an individual. Chicken feed isn't meant for dogs, and chicken droppings can carry bacteria such as salmonella, so discourage your dog from snacking in the coop and wash your hands after chores.

Cotton seems to have made peace with the flock, at least for this morning. With hens pecking happily and a grinning white dog in the middle of it all, Loretta's backyard is a cheerful place to be.

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Smiling older Black woman wrapped in a green patchwork quilt sits by a lit fireplace with a white Bichon Frise beside her.The Fire Was Crackling, the Quilt Was Warm, and Cotton Had the Happiest Face in the RoomSmiling older Black woman crouches at a park pond feeding mallards while a white Bichon Frise stands in the shallows.Grandma Loretta Was Feeding the Ducks. Cotton Decided to Join the Flock.
Smiling older Black woman at the wheel of an old pickup with a white Bichon Frise sitting on the bench seat beside her.Grandma's Old Pickup Has One Passenger Seat, and It's Already TakenOlder Black woman in glasses fills in a crossword at a breakfast table while a white Bichon Frise peeks over the edge.Grandma Was Focused on Her Crossword. Cotton Was Focused on the Breakfast Table.Smiling older Black woman pins white sheets to a clothesline as a fluffy white Bichon Frise leaps up between the sheets.Grandma Hung Out a Line of Clean White Sheets. Cotton Saw a Playground.Older Black woman holds a bowl of popcorn while a white Bichon Frise sniffs at it in a cozy living room.Grandma Made Popcorn for Movie Night. She Didn't Make It to the Couch.