Common Chicken Sayings

Many old sayings refer to chickens. It wasn’t until we owned chickens, that I realized how many come from chicken terms. I’m reminded every day usually because of something the chickens are doing. Then before I knew it, every time I turn around I was using common chicken sayings in my everyday conversation. (Seriously! Crazy Chicken Lady). 

Here’s a list of my favorites: 

Henpecked

The dictionary defines it as being harassed or intimidated by the persistent nagging of a woman. Usually the husband, boyfriend, or significant other is the one getting henpecked. Now, with chickens, normally the rooster is at the top of the pecking order so I’m not sure how this got started. However, our top hens, definitely “henpeck” the others and put them in their place. 

Birds of a Feather Flock Together

This saying has been around for hundreds of years. It means that people that like the same things or come from a similar background will spend time together. Chickens are flock animals. They “flock” together for protection from predators.

Clara our Easter Egger seems to be the outcast of the flock. I think it’s because she looks different than the other birds due to her beard.

There is always a bird at the bottom of the pecking order but I can’t help but wonder if it’s because of this.

Last year the girls pulled out all of her beard feathers.

Nesting

This refers to a pregnant woman getting ready for a new baby. Because of her hormones, Hazel goes broody several times a year. We don’t have a rooster but she still prepares the nest.

She will put small sticks and leaves on her back and carry them into the nest box. She will also pluck out her breast feathers in preparation. Last year, we got her baby chicks and she was an excellent mother.  

Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch

Not all eggs hatch. A hen will have several from a brood that won’t hatch. Maybe they’re not fertilized or maybe they didn’t develop properly.

This is an extremely important lesson to learn meaning don’t count on something until you have it.

For me, money and finances come to mind. It’s easy to rationalize extra spending by thinking I’ll be getting a raise next month so I’m going to buy (blank). This could easily lead to a financial bind. Been there, done that. 

 Mother Hen

I loved watching Hazel be a Mother Hen to the Littles. She took the babies under her wing literally (another saying), and taught them how to eat, drink, and look for worms. She even cleaned their bottoms. If another chicken got close to them, she took care of that too!  

Rule the Roost

This means to be the boss. Trudy rules the roost with our girls. She’s at the top of the pecking order and gets the prime spot on the roost bar. When they go to roost in the evenings, they all have a specific spot. If the other girls are out of order, she will peck their feet to put them in their place. It’s quite a sight.  

Walking on Eggshells

I don’t know about you but I hate being around people or in a situation when I feel like anything I say or do will offend them or hurt their feelings. Occasionally, things just come out of my mouth! I’m sure you know a few people that you have to be careful around.  

Flew the Coop

The original meaning meant to escape from jail but now refers to leaving a situation or getting away from something. I’m reminded of this every morning when we let the girls out of the coop area. They are usually pacing at the door and if we are a little late when letting them out, they literally “fly” the coop. 

As Mad as a Wet Hen

OMG. Chickens, in general, do not like water. They can paddle a short distance but their feathers will get waterlogged and heavy which could cause them to drown. Most chickens, including ours, like to be out in the rain because the rain draws out the bugs.

To keep clean, chickens take dirt or dust baths. On occasion, I’ve had to intervene and bathe my birds (in water), and they are NOT happy about it. 

Early Bird Gets the Worm

Another very old saying dating back to the 17th century. I think most people have a good understanding of what this means: Arriving early gets rewarded or it gives you a better chance of success. This can be true with business or your career. But also with your personal life. 

For me, getting up early starts my day off right. I tend to have more energy in the morning so I’ll get a few chores done, pay bills, or just enjoy some quiet time before everyone gets up. It gives me a sense of peace and accomplishment. I hate to rush in the morning and if I oversleep, I can be pretty grumpy. 

Now, this phrase also makes me think about our neighborhood Donut Store. If you get there late, all the good donuts are gone and usually, just plain glazed ones are left. You definitely want to be the early bird. 

Favorite One From my Granny 

Faster than a chicken on a June bug – Usually this means to do something fast or quick or not waste any time. With my Granny, this was not something you wanted. Her phrase usually started with I’ll be on you faster than a chicken on a June bug. You really didn’t want this!  She was going to be all over you, up in your business, and monitoring your every move. 

Other Common Chicken Sayings:

Bad Egg

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

Empty Nest 

Taste like chicken

I could go on and on but I’ll stop. There are a million more funny common chicken sayings and I’m sure now a few others will come to mind. What’s your favorite?