Mother hen meaning

A mother hen is someone who is overprotective and overly cautious towards others in their care.


Mother hen definitions

Word backwards rehtom neh
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division moth-er hen
Plural The plural of "mother hen" is "mother hens".
Total letters 9
Vogais (2) o,e
Consonants (5) m,t,h,r,n

Mother hen refers to a female chicken that takes care of and protects her chicks, showing nurturing and protective behavior towards them. This instinctual behavior is essential for the survival of the chicks in their early stages of life.

When a mother hen is brooding, she sits on her eggs to keep them warm and help them hatch. This process is crucial for the development of the chicks and ensures they have a safe environment in which to grow.

Protective Instincts

Mother hens have strong protective instincts and will defend their chicks from potential threats. They will alert their chicks to danger, teach them how to find food, and show them how to interact with other chickens.

Nurturing Behavior

In addition to their protective instincts, mother hens display nurturing behavior towards their chicks. They will often gather their chicks under their wings to keep them warm and safe, a behavior known as brooding.

Through this nurturing behavior, mother hens establish a strong bond with their chicks, providing them with the care and guidance they need to thrive. This bond helps the chicks learn important skills and behaviors that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Life Cycle

After the chicks have grown and are able to fend for themselves, the mother hen will gradually allow them to become more independent. This process teaches the chicks how to survive on their own and prepares them for adulthood.

Mother hens play a critical role in the development and survival of their chicks, demonstrating nurturing and protective behavior that is essential for their well-being.


Mother hen Examples

  1. The mother hen gathered her chicks under her wings to protect them from the rain.
  2. Don't be such a mother hen, let your kids explore and learn on their own.
  3. She always fusses over everyone like a mother hen, making sure they have everything they need.
  4. The team leader acted like a mother hen, constantly checking on her team's progress.
  5. My mom can be a bit of a mother hen when it comes to making sure we eat our vegetables.
  6. The teacher was like a mother hen, guiding her students through their projects with care.
  7. She's such a mother hen when it comes to her plants, always making sure they are watered and cared for.
  8. The senior cat in the household acted as a mother hen to the new kitten, grooming and protecting it.
  9. The older sister took on the role of a mother hen, looking after her younger siblings while their parents were away.
  10. Some people enjoy being a mother hen, taking care of others and providing support.


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  • Updated 14/06/2024 - 21:25:13