Hickety, Pickety, My Black Hen
Hickety, pickety, my black hen,
She lays eggs for gentlemen.
Gentlemen come every day,
To see what my black hen doth lay.
Origins
The origins of Hickety, Pickety, My Black Hen are uncertain, but it likely dates to the 18th century. The first known printed reference appears much later, in the late 19th century, and it began showing up in nursery collections around the early 20th century.
Meaning
The rhyme doesn’t appear to hold any deep symbolism. Most believe it was created simply as a playful chant — rhythmic, catchy, and fun to recite. Some have suggested it may have been used as a counting rhyme or as a way to teach small cadence patterns to children.
The verse also turns up in children’s games. In one variation of Mother, May I?, the “mother” responds to requests with the line, “Hickety, pickety, my black hen…” before granting or denying permission — which made the rhyme memorable and interactive rather than just spoken.
Fun Fact
There are variations of the opening line, including the amusing “Hiccupitty, Pickupitty.” Like many old rhymes, wording shifted depending on region and speaker.
Despite its age, the rhyme remains familiar and lighthearted — the kind that sticks in the ear long after childhood, simply because it sounds fun to say.
1. A simple retelling
A black hen lays eggs, and gentlemen come each day to see what she has laid.
2. The characters
- Main character: The black hen
- Others: The “gentlemen” who visit
3. Setting
No clear setting, though it feels like a small farm or rural household.
4. Theme
Playfulness and rhythm rather than storytelling.
5. Moral
No lesson — it’s meant to be silly and memorable.
