Those new to chicken-keeping may never have heard of a chicken saddle or chicken diaper, but if you keep chickens, chances are, you’re likely to need one sooner or later. Why would you ever need a saddle or diaper for a chicken? Good question.
A hen saddle is a piece of material that protects a chicken’s skin and feathers from damage due to rooster over-mating. During mating, a rooster stands on a hen’s back, holding her neck feathers with his beak and steadying himself with his feet. This activity, known as treading, can cause feather loss and skin injuries. An aggressive rooster, or one with a preference for a particular hen, may cause bald spots on a hen’s back and wings; these vulnerable areas can be protected with the use of a properly constructed and fitted hen saddle.
Chicken diapers are used not only for house chickens, but for times when a chicken becomes house-bound due to a serious injury or illness requiring close supervision. The diapers provide the chicken-keeper with the option not to keep their pet penned-up in a crate or cage for the duration of their recovery. They are easy to put on, adjustable and have a waterproof liner in the pouch. The ‘V’ shape allows it to cup around the chicken’s tail to provide a good fit.
How often does your chicken wear the saddle? Do they keep it on all the time?
Yes, they wear it 24/7 until the feathers regrow.
Do you sell the ones you make? Where can I buy them? I need ones that also has fabric protecting the wings. Many thanks!
I do and they are available on Amazon ordinarily, but are out of stock at the moment.
chicken longer saddles above? where can I buy them? asap!!
Try these, Terri: https://amzn.to/2SslqWZ
I am wanting to purchase the hen saddle that you have on your blog website here. The longer one without the notch at the bottom. When I click on “hen saddles” in your blog it keeps taking me to the ones with the notches. I want the one above and 12″ long. I don’t understand the ones with notches that exactly where our Roo bites the crap out of her, then it bleeds, and the other hens turn into cannibals!! I put “blu-kote on them constantly, but it works only a little time. I NEED THESE SADDLES ASAP!! Where can… Read more »
Hen saddles are entirely different from sweaters.