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A blue merle Border Collie and a brown and white calf look through a wire fence at chickens. 14 / 35

Two Fence-Line Spectators Studied the Chickens Very Carefully

AI imageborder colliecalfchickens

Standing shoulder to shoulder at a wire fence, a blue merle Border Collie and a brown and white calf watch the chickens scratch around the coop. The Collie's pale, intelligent eyes are locked on the hens, her speckled coat catching the light. The calf peers through the wire beside her with ears out and nose twitching. Hay, a blue bucket, and weathered boards fill the yard beyond.

Border Collies are among the most intelligent herding breeds, bred to watch and gather livestock. That eye contact is an instinct, so a Collie staring at chickens is simply doing what she was made for. A good training routine helps keep that instinct friendly, because chasing or nipping can stress farm birds. Calves are curious and watchful too, and they often follow what other animals are doing. If dogs, calves, and chickens share a farm, give each a secure area and make sure the dog has plenty of exercise and mental challenges. Wash your hands after handling poultry or cattle, as animals can carry germs.

For the moment, the two seem content to be spectators. There is no hurry in their watching, and no mischief that anyone has yet reported. The chickens go about their business, and the audience watches with deep concentration. Every farm has its entertainment, and this fence is the best seat in the house.

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