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Grandmother in glasses and a floral apron tosses corn on a tile floor as hens peck and a Jack Russell Terrier watches nearby. 2 / 40

Abuela Left the Back Door Open at Feeding Time. The Hens Took It Personally.

AI imagejack russell terrierbackyard chickensfarmhouse kitchen

Feeding time has officially moved indoors. Abuela Rosa, glasses perched on her nose and gray hair twisted up on top of her head, leans over to sprinkle golden corn across the tile floor. The back door stands wide open, and the hens have taken that as an invitation, strolling right in from the dusty yard to peck at breakfast. A woven basket of laundry, a pair of sandals by the door and a dish rack by the window give the whole scene a lived-in, everyday charm. Right in the middle of the flock stands Chispa, her white and tan Jack Russell, looking up at Rosa as if to ask whether she gets a share too.

Terriers and backyard poultry can live together, but it takes patience. Jack Russells have a strong prey drive, and fluttering wings can be very tempting. Owners who keep both usually start with short, supervised introductions, often with the dog on a leash, and reward calm behavior generously. Teaching a solid leave it and a reliable recall helps a lot. Many families also give hens a secure coop and run so the birds have a safe retreat. Every dog is different, so some never fully relax around chickens, and that is okay. If a pup stays calm and polite, like Chispa here, it is a sign of good training and lots of repetition.

Rosa does not seem to mind the extra guests in her kitchen. Corn for the hens, company for the dog, and the morning chores somehow feel less like work.

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