I can’t imagine what it must be like to be an only child, in any capacity. I have never been one, and my dogs have always had siblings, too. Everybody has a buddy, just the way we like it!
Maine Coon kittens all piled onto a cat tree. Image via Shutterstock / Nadia Cruzova
A lot of animals don’t even have just one baby most of the time, either. They often come in litters, clutches, or groups. Being part of a family is important for development in so many species! However, singletons do happen from time to time.
On Wednesday, December 3rd, one very sweet mama hen showed that it’s entirely possible for a baby animal to thrive alone. This chicken has exactly one baby, and she made that baby her whole world. It’s awesome:
Heavy Metal Homesteader has lots of animals on their property, but Buffy and her baby are the best pair ever. They have goats, chickens, cows, dogs, and even bees! Buffy recently hatched this chick, though, and hasn’t even looked at anyone else since. That’s her baby right there!
Buffy is just one of many chickens on the Heavy Metal Homestead. As her baby grows, hopefully they’ll learn to love her just as much as Buffy does! She’ll have to learn her place in the pecking order, but something tells me that won’t be a problem at all. She’s bossy!
Related: Dachshund’s Sweet Bond With Duck Best Friend Is a Love Story for the Ages
There’s also a Zombie Chicken on the homestead, and this bird is as metal as it gets:
I don’t know how one breeds a Zombie Chicken, or where I can get one, but I’d like to find out immediately. How gorgeous!
Chicks Stay With Their Mothers
Right now, the chick spends most of her time with her mom. She likes to park herself right under her wing and stay warm, which is where she is in this video. It’s honestly a little hard to see her at first, though she does peek her little head out.
Hens typically keep their chicks nearby for several weeks after birth. Just like with mama dogs and their puppies, hens spend time teaching their chicks everything they need to know, from how to eat to how to groom and more.
Hopefully, Buffy and her baby will get to say together for even longer! Clearly, they really love each other!
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Dec 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.