We’ve all heard of the ugly duckling. But have you heard of the oddball chicken?
Hens have been known to care for other organisms in nature, not just their own chicks.
Some species foster flourishing mutualistic relationships for a myriad of utilitarian reasons.
Have you ever seen a mother hen warm a litter of cats? It’s one of the cutest things you’ll ever see!
If you’re looking for awesome adorableness, check out these 30 images of mother hens embracing their “unique” children with a place to rest!
1. Chicken kittens
Nature’s full of beauty and adoreableness. Like a mother hen watching over her… cat chicks? These kittens are right at home under Mom’s bed of feathers.
2. Dogsitting
Mother Hen isn’t just a mother of chickens. She’s the caretaker of an adorable pup, too! This is nature at it’s lovliest. That’s one well-rested pup!
3. Kittens & chickens
These cats had no place to stay. Mother Hen decided to extend her warm feathers to the orphaned kittens. Now, they’re one big happy family. They look so cozy under Mom’s plumage.
4. Ducklings
Hey, chicks are cute, too. A little expected? Sure. Adorable? Oh, absolutely. But those aren’t just chicks… Look closer. There are a few baby ducklings sprinkled in! Their webbed feet stick out like sore thumbs!
5. Hen hog
Well you don’t see that everyday… Unless you’re a local farmer. Hey, it’s cold out here. All of the farm animals know it. Every bit of warmth helps!
6. Kithens
These kittens need some warmth. Lucky for them, Mother Hen’s hear with some sugar. This is peak adorableness!
7. Megachicken
A hen and her chicks are also a sight to behold. These oddball chicks almost make it seem like Mother Hen has a thousand little chicken feet. All of her babies have assembled to form Megachicken!
8. Duck dynasty
Chickens and ducks aren’t so different after all. Ducks just spend more of their time in the water! Even though they’re different colors, these are birds of a feather.
9. I spy a little kitten
Can you find the kitten? Its little face is snugly tucked in the insulating feathers of this lovely hen. This adorable kitty looks so comfy!
10. Piglet
Pigs are adorable when they’re young. They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, this mother hen might be the matriarch of this particular village.
11. Catnap
These cats are taking a nap with their mother. Mom’s pleased to see her children are safe and sound, fast asleep. They look so happy.
12. I got my eye on you
The local chickens and ducks get along. They’re honestly not all that different. That hen’s eye demonstrates that she’s keenly watching over this duckling’s safety!
13. The crow
Hens are fully equipped to foster the growth of other birds. Here’s a baby crow – technically a jackdaw – with its hen mother. It looks like feeding time!
14. Duckchicken
It almost looks like this hen has two heads! Hen feathers are like Hermonine Granger’s bag. They’re basically endless!
15. Birds of a feather
That’s definitely no chick! Well, what type of bird is it? Turns out, it’s actually a small fantail. They’re native to New Zealand.
16. Cat litter
This cat needed a cozy, quiet place to sleep. Mother Hen is a lover, and she treats all the younglings as her own. This bed of feathers beats any lousy cot or mattress!
17. Duck chick
This duckling’s not like most. Her mother is actually of an entirely different species. But that doesn’t matter. They still love each other to death!
18. The dog basket
Being in the doghouse is generally a bad thing. But this is the dog basket. Here, Mother Hen looks over her adorable puppies. They’re not going to raise themselves!
19. Chicken neck warmer
This dog needs a massage. Thankfully, he has a good friend around to alleviate the pain. This hen’s a true friend.
20. Return of the dog basket
The dog basket is back with more. Here, the gang’s lounging and enjoying their time together. Are those adorable Rottweiler pups?
21. Under her wings
This hen’s taken some new birds under her wings. They’re not going to raise themselves! Even though they’re of a different species, Mother Hen treats them like her own.
22. Sleeping chicken kittens
These adorable kittens are sound asleep. They have the best bed in town! Awww, you can practically see the smiles on their faces!
23. Mother duck
These ducklings have always looked up to their mom. She’s a single mother hen of five ducklings. It’s not an easy gig!
24. Leader of the pack
The leader of this pack is a hen. Remember, birds are the closing living relatives to the dinosaurs. I just felt like that should be stated. Are those baby ostriches?
25. Hen legs
A mother hen protects her children like no other… literally. Her babies are safe and snug amid her sea of feathers. She looks like she has like 10 feet.
26. An extraordinary friendship
Yep, that’s a goat. But this chicken doesn’t care. She has friends of all shapes, sizes, and species. This is one remarkably friendly farm.
27. Snuggling
Dogs and chickens seem to get along well. Aww, they’re snuggling. What a beautiful friendship! Those puppy eyes are to die for!
28. Cuddle kitten
Meet one of the cutest kittens on the planet. But she’s not like most kittens. Her mom’s actually a hen!
29. Doggie daycare
Hens are proven mothers. They can raise anything and anyone. These Rottweiler pups are learning from one of the best.
30. Dog basket III
These pups are perched perfectly under Mama Hen’s cozy feathers. She’s like a live comforter. These adorable puppies are loving every moment of their basket time.
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