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An elderly Black woman in a green jacket pours grain from a scoop for chickens as a tricolor Australian Shepherd follows. 18 / 28

Mae Headed Out to Feed the Hens. A Born Herder Followed Every Step.

AI imageaustralian shepherdchickensbackyard

Golden grain pours from a metal scoop in a steady stream, and the hens crowd in to peck it up. Mae walks through her backyard in an olive shirt-jacket and grey tee, glasses on and a quiet smile on her face, tipping the feed onto the packed dirt. Russet and black chickens bob around her feet, heads down and busy. Right behind her, Bandit trots along with his tongue out and his ears relaxed, his black-and-copper coat bright in the soft daylight, following every step like a dedicated farmhand. A wire fence, a blue bucket, a laundry basket, and potted plants line the yard.

Australian Shepherds were developed as working ranch dogs, and herding livestock is deep in their instincts. That can be a wonderful trait, but it also means an Aussie may want to chase, circle, or nip at chickens if he hasn't been taught otherwise. Introductions should be slow and supervised, starting with the dog leashed outside the run and rewarded for calm behavior. Over time, many Aussies learn to move politely among birds, and some even help keep the flock together without causing stress. Never leave a dog alone with chickens until he's proven reliable. Keep chicken feed out of your dog's reach, as it isn't formulated for dogs, and wash your hands after handling birds or eggs, since poultry can carry bacteria like salmonella. Clean up droppings regularly, since some dogs find them tempting.

The hens get their supper, Mae gets her evening chores done, and Bandit gets to feel like the most important worker on the place.

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