It’s true, we may all be familiar with the story of the ugly duckling. But have we yet been acquainted with the story of the oddball chicken?

Hens have been known to extend their parenting to species outside of their own. While they may have their own chicks to tend to, they take no issue offering warmth to a host of other creatures as well!

For something truly adorable, follow along for twenty instances where mother hens have embraced some rather oddball children.

1 – Dogsitter

Nothing compares to a night of well-rested sleep. This puppy has found the ultimate babysitter and it’s too adorable for words!

2 – Just Ducky

Hens and chicks, what goes better together? But look a little closer! It seems that there are ducklings living in this house too! Just look out how precious their webbed feet are.

3 – Hen Hog

Even pigs need a little extra love and warmth out there on the farm. Take this perfectly synergistic relationship!

4 – Henhouse

These brand new baby kittens came to exactly the right place. A little extra warmth goes a long way and this hen takes no issue giving it out! This is cute at its finest.

5 – Megachicken

Protection is what a mother does best. Take these chicks, for example. Their mother is holding them close, but it makes her look like a science project gone completely wrong!

6 – Duck Dynasty

Birds of a feather flock together! It seems that at the end of the day, chickens and ducks aren’t so different after all. One likes the land, one likes the water. Both enjoy one another’s company.

7 – I spy something cat

At first glance, we see a nesting hen in her box. Upon closer inspection, it seems as though she’s got a snuggly friend. A kitten to be exact! Can you make out its cute face?

8 – That’ll do pig, that’ll do

Here’s something cute to try on for size – a hen giving her warmth to a piglet. This little babe is adorable.

9 – Catnap

Nothing beats a nap in the middle of the day to recharge your batteries. These cats know exactly where to take a good one, too.

10 – Counting Crows

Fully equipped to foster, hens have been known to take in other birds and play mother! This one has a baby crow in her nest, technically a jackdaw, and it looks like it’s feeding time!

11) Birds of a feather

This hen has the same idea as the one before her. The chick this time is called a fantail, a bird native to New Zealand.

12 – Duck, Duck, Hen

Even though they are entirely different species, this hen is willing to step up and share her motherhood.

13 – Neckwarmer but make it chicken

This odd couple is completely content with sharing their friendship. There’s nothing like a close friend to keep you comfortable and warm.

14 – Bountiful basket

What could be cuter than a basket full of puppies and chickens? This hen seems perfectly happy nesting atop these brand new pups.

15 – Under my wing

Sometimes life’s circumstances are uncertain or uncalled for. When in doubt, always share love and compassion! This mother hen takes on two odd birds of her own.

16 – Mother Goose…

….But make it a hen! This mom is unashamed in her identity. It seems her oddball babies will be keeping her busy.

17 – Whatever floats your goat

Friends come in all shapes, species, and sizes. On the farm, anything goes!

18 – Doggy Daycare

This puppy and hen make for a playful pair. What could be more heartwarming?

19 – Just kitten around

Isn’t nature just amazing! Just check out this mother hen and her baby…kittens!? Fortunately, these sweet babies look right at home.

20 – Keeping an eye on you

This hen’s here to keep a watchful eye on babies of all kinds! Including this baby duckling.

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Sources: Animal Channel