It turns out that chickens extend their mothering tendencies to all sorts of babies. These 15 hens had no problems with literally taking these cute animals under their wings.

Thanks to the way they protect eggs, chickens have strong maternal instincts. In fact, in many chickens, the mothering instinct is so strong that they extend it to babies other than their own.

And that instinct doesn’t just stretch to other chicks. Babies of all species find themselves cuddled up with a motherly hen.

Here are 15 of the cutest chicken adoptee pictures in the world:

1. The chicken is keeping an eye out for attackers

Chickens and kittens aren’t smart enough to realize that thunderstorms don’t “attack,” so they’re staying alert!

2. Basket of cuteness

3. That chick sure looks jealous

Sharing is caring, little one.

4. Close enough

In lieu of chicks, she picks the smallest birds she can find.

5. That’s one big baby

You’re never too old to cuddle with mom, as this pig knows very well.

6. This one is more size appropriate

Perhaps it’s the same pig as the other, just at a different stage of life?

7. Another hen who couldn’t care less how large her baby was

Some chicks bok, others bark.

8. Most of the kittens look content

The center-right one looks annoyed though.

9. Spot the difference

She doesn’t care that some of her chicks are ducklings.

10. She never wants to let go

Believe it or not, there are three more kittens and a whole load of eggs under her.

11. The photographer disturbed one of her baby’s sleep!

She would soon calm the kitten down.

12. Kittens and chickens clearly have an affinity

Chickens can’t resist their cuteness.

13. They’re getting a little too big

She never wants them, to leave.

14. If it weren’t for the beak, this could be a chick

Is the duckling kissing the chicken?

15. That’s a jackdaw

It’s like a whole new version of The Ugly Duckling.

Is there any baby that a chicken won’t adopt?

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: Bored Panda, Bright Side, The Dodo