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A golden Retriever and a brown and white calf look through a wire and wood fence at a flock of hens. 12 / 25

Two Spectators Lined Up at the Fence to Watch the Hens

AI imagegolden retrievercalfchickens

Behind the weathered fence, a handful of hens are scratching and pecking in the dirt. In the foreground, a golden Retriever with a soft, wise face is looking off to the side, his coat glowing in the daylight. Next to him, Clover stands with her nose lifted toward the wire, her ears forward and her eyes locked on the birds. Garden tools, rubber boots and a green watering can hang behind the coop.

Golden Retrievers were originally bred as gentle bird dogs, so chickens may spark their curiosity. Most are friendly and trainable, but it is still wise to supervise any interaction between dogs and backyard birds, since even a playful dog can frighten or hurt them. A sturdy fence is the best way to keep everyone safe. Chicken coops can also carry germs, so wash your hands after touching birds, and keep your dog from eating droppings or spilled feed. Goldens are known for being patient, and this one seems perfectly content to watch.

The hens carry on as usual, unaware that they have an audience of two. For the Retriever and the calf, it is a quiet show with plenty of feathers. They will probably watch until the last hen settles down. It is a small drama in a farmyard, and the audience seems to love every scratch and cluck of it.

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