The Terrier Stared at the Hens, and the Kittens Stared Too
Beyond the wire fence, a couple of brown hens strut through a shady yard, and a Jack Russell Terrier is watching them with quiet intensity. His brown-and-white face is pointed toward the birds, and his nose is a little raised. Clustered at his feet, six kittens, white, black, tabby, ginger and calico, look in the same direction with their heads cocked. The ground is dusty, a barn door stands open behind them, and a coiled hose and pair of boots sit nearby.
Jack Russell Terriers were bred to hunt small animals, so they are alert and energetic, and they can have a strong drive to chase. That is why a fence is useful here. Keeping a safe barrier between a terrier and chickens protects both of them. Chickens can also carry bacteria like salmonella, so wash your hands after handling them and keep pet food away from their area. Kittens that young should stay close to a safe place, so ask your vet about vaccines before outdoor time. Training a terrier to stay calm around other animals takes patience and rewards for good behavior.
The Jack Russell looks like a tiny hunter staring down a big job, and the kittens seem to be copying him. A row of curious faces on one side of a fence, and some very unaware hens on the other.
