Goes to Bed with the Chickens

In Southern and Appalachian speech, goes to bed with the chickens means going to bed very early, usually around dark, reflecting a daylight-based routine.

#SouthernSayings #Animals #Appalachia #FarmTalk #PeopleandRelationships #Southern

synonyms: turn in early, early to bed, in by dark

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've been around chickens, and they hit the coop at dusk - and, yes: this is a common phrase out in the country.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've been around chickens, and they hit the coop at dusk - and, yes: this is a common phrase out in the country.

Pronunciation

[GOHZ tuh BED with thuh CHIK-enz]
/ɡoʊz tə bɛd wɪð ðə ˈtʃɪkənz/

Meaning & Usage

- To retire for the night very early (verbal phrase)

Estel:

You ever see him out past eight?

Elmer:

Nope. He goes to bed with the chickens.

variations: go to bed with the chickens

★ This phrase often carries a gentle, familiar tone - sometimes affectionate, sometimes lightly teasing. ★

Origin and Etymology

The phrase arises from rural, agrarian life in which chickens naturally roost at dusk and daily routines followed daylight rather than clock time. Southern and Appalachian communities preserved this expression as a practical way to describe early bedtimes tied to farm work and early rising.

Usage Notes

"Goes to bed with the chickens" is used to describe a person whose routine follows daylight hours, especially in farming or rural settings. While it can simply state a habit, tone and context determine whether it is neutral, admiring, or mildly teasing.

Often implies rising early the following morning
Commonly associated with farm life or older generations
Can be used humorously but is rarely insulting

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does this phrase only apply to farmers?

No. While rooted in farm life, it can describe anyone who regularly goes to bed very early.

Is this still used today?

Yes. It remains common in Southern and Appalachian spoken English.

Is it meant as an insult?

Not usually. It is often neutral or affectionate, depending on tone.

Does it imply waking up early?

Often, yes - especially in traditional or rural contexts.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, December 21). Goes to Bed with the Chickens. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/goes-to-bed-with-the-chickens
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Goes to Bed with the Chickens." HillbillySlang.com, 21 Dec. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/goes-to-bed-with-the-chickens.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Goes to Bed with the Chickens." HillbillySlang.com. December 21, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/goes-to-bed-with-the-chickens.