Beijing resident Xu Guoxing trains his two unusual pets - a duck and a rooster - to crow, jump, and even enjoy traditional music.

Instead of opting for a dog or animals more naturally suited to training or domesticity, Xu enjoys the challenge of teaching birds of a different feather.

Contrary to popular belief, Xu says ducks and chickens are good learners.

"Why not raise such pets? I refuse to believe that a chicken can't be obedient. It was this belief that made me start to train them in the first place, and I have succeeded."

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