Browse ›
An elderly couple crouch on a patio scattering grain for hens while a chocolate Poodle stands among the chickens beside them. 15 / 32

The Hungry Hens Rushed In, and Cocoa Was Standing Right in the Middle

AI imagechocolate poodlechickensbackyard

The hens know the sound of the feed scoop, and they have come running. Frank and Marion crouch side by side on the patio in their cream sweaters, each holding a container of grain and letting it pour out in golden streams onto the ground. Marion is laughing and Frank wears a happy, crinkle-eyed smile. A crowd of brown, red, and speckled hens is pecking eagerly at their feet. Right in the middle of the flock stands Cocoa, her curly chocolate coat and blue collar standing out among the feathers, her mouth open in a cheerful pant as she watches the chickens with relaxed interest rather than any urge to chase.

Dogs and backyard chickens can share a yard peacefully, but it usually takes careful introductions and supervision. Poodles are smart and very trainable, which helps, but they were also originally bred to work with birds as retrievers, so their interest in chickens is natural. Starting with a dog on a leash, rewarding calm behavior, and practicing commands like leave it and stay can build good habits. Even a gentle dog should not be left alone with the flock until they have proven trustworthy. Keeping dogs out of chicken feed and droppings is also smart, since both can upset a dog's stomach and droppings can carry germs.

Cocoa seems to have found her place as a calm and friendly member of the barnyard crew. Frank and Marion look delighted to share their chores with such well-mannered company.

More from this collection

All 32 →
An elderly couple hold birdseed in their palms near a busy wooden feeder full of sparrows as a chocolate Poodle sits calmly.The Sparrows Were Everywhere, and Cocoa Had to Decide What Kind of Dog She WasAn elderly couple on a couch share a bowl of popcorn while a curly chocolate Poodle sits in front of them looking ahead.Frank Brought Out the Big Popcorn Bowl for Movie Night. Cocoa Claimed the Best Seat.
An elderly couple in cream sweaters sit on a covered porch watching the rain while a chocolate Poodle sits in front.The Rain Wouldn't Stop, So Frank and Marion Pulled Up a Bench. Cocoa Joined In.An elderly couple in cream sweaters sleep leaning together on a porch swing with a chocolate Poodle asleep across their laps.They Sat Down on the Porch Swing for Just a Minute. All Three Were Out Cold.An elderly couple in cream sweaters sleep side by side in a rope hammock with a chocolate Poodle curled asleep on their laps.The Porch Light Came On, but Nobody in the Hammock NoticedAn elderly couple in blue patterned sweaters eat breakfast on a patio as a grinning Poodle rests a paw on the table.Croissants and Coffee on the Patio Were Going Fine Until One Paw Landed on the Table