Who are the best mamas in the animal kingdoms? Hands down, it’s definitely the hens.

They are so protective of their babies that you won’t see them until they start to be independent and walk on their own. And their maternal instincts are so strong that they will look out for other children (of different species) when they need a mother.

Even if they’re clearly not the same bird or even animal, these mama hens will still take care of them as they were her own children.

Here are 20 photos that prove mama hens are the best mamas in the animal kingdom.