Anyone use chicken saddles?

[ilovemybabychickies]

Hi everyone! I have a few chickens that are below the pecking order and are always being picked on. One of my hens even got a huge gash on her side. A few of my hens have naked backs from all the pecking. I started this thread because I have been wanting to start using saddles to help them. Any opinions on the saddles?

Thanks!

 

[ProudRedneck]

I have the brand in your first picture. Took my oldest hen a little less than a day to get over it and realize she couldn't remove it and now walking around as if she doesn't care. Also didn't deter or hinder my roo from doing his business either.

 

[ilovemybabychickies]

I have the brand in your first picture. Took my oldest hen a little less than a day to get over it and realize she couldn't remove it and now walking around as if she doesn't care. Also didn't deter or hinder my roo from doing his business either.View attachment 3890727

Thank you so much!

 

[NewChickenmama06]

I use them, but they don't always work. I ended up taking the last one off of my hen because my roo literally ripped right through it!

 

[dawg53]

I use them, but they don't always work. I ended up taking the last one off of my hen because my roo literally ripped right through it!

Time to put pinless peepers on your roo. They work.

 

[Eggcessive]

Are they overcrowded or bored from not getting out to roam around? How old are they? A young cockerel can be rough on pullets and hens. When mine were in their first season laying, some were barebacked. I made some one piece hen saddles from polar fleece that were sturdy. Here is a link with ones similar to mine, and they just slip over the wings:
http://www.linnacresfarm.com/2014/04/how-to-make-simple-hen-saddleapron.html

If your cockerel/rooster has sharp spurs, I would dull them or trim them slightly. He might even need to be separated for awhile. Be aware that if hens lose their saddle feathers they may not grow back until they have a molt. The first one is around 16-18 months and then yearly thereafter. Pinless peepers are things that are applied that prevent the picker or bully from aiming at a chicken, but they can still get food and water.

 

[ChicNmom]

I've used them successfully. Most of the girls try to out run them or jump around at first then they accept it.

But I had a Frizzle that was bald from the roo and partly because their feathers are more delicate. One day I noticed her putting leaves and other chickens feathers on her bald spot. But as soon as she walked they would fall off. I was amazed she realized she was bald and was trying to do something about it.

I put a saddle on her and she was so happy. You'd think she had a new dress. It was so darn cute!!!

I had ordered mine on eBay.

 

[NewChickenmama06]

Time to put pinless peepers on your roo. They work.

Huh, I've never heard of pinless peepers before. Thanks for the heads up

 

[Toffael]

Time to put pinless peepers on your roo. They work.

what’s a pinless peeper and what purpose does it serve?

 

[dawg53]

what’s a pinless peeper and what purpose does it serve?

Here's a link for you to read about Pinless Peepers. Scroll to the top of the page:
https://www.chickenfans.com/pinless-peepers/#:~:text=Pinless peepers are tiny plastic chicken