My 2 cents......
Blue-kote is messy and stains, so I only use it when there are not other options.
Saddles work in some circumstances. Some birds tolerate them just fine, some throw a bit of a fit and may need time to accept it.
If you use them, make sure they fit properly so the bird cannot get tangled up in it. I personally make my own, that way you can resize if needed for a smaller or larger bird. A saddle that fits too loose can tangle in legs, or catch on things. If it's going to be somewhat long term, then using a fabric that is less inclined to catch on pin feathers, and is going to be less absorbent (rain) is better. I use sunbrella outdoor fabric for mine, bought on clearance, often ugly, but very durable. My question about the particular one you picture in your post is those shiny snaps. My birds regularly try to eat my wedding ring while it's on my finger, so I can only imagine the attention those shiny snaps may draw.
I personally only use saddles if the skin is getting hurt/abraded by a roo or if others are picking at the feather shafts, until they molt and fill back in. If they are fine, just bare, I don't saddle. I will attach an image of the pattern I use to make my own, I use two layers of fabric with thin batting in between. An elastic loop goes from the neck corner to the front corner on each side where the red x's are, which slips over each wing, about 4"- 4.5" works, depending on the bird. They do not have to be fancy, just functional. I do not put decorations of any kind or shiny stuff on them.
Blue-kote is messy and stains, so I only use it when there are not other options.
Saddles work in some circumstances. Some birds tolerate them just fine, some throw a bit of a fit and may need time to accept it.
If you use them, make sure they fit properly so the bird cannot get tangled up in it. I personally make my own, that way you can resize if needed for a smaller or larger bird. A saddle that fits too loose can tangle in legs, or catch on things. If it's going to be somewhat long term, then using a fabric that is less inclined to catch on pin feathers, and is going to be less absorbent (rain) is better. I use sunbrella outdoor fabric for mine, bought on clearance, often ugly, but very durable. My question about the particular one you picture in your post is those shiny snaps. My birds regularly try to eat my wedding ring while it's on my finger, so I can only imagine the attention those shiny snaps may draw.
I personally only use saddles if the skin is getting hurt/abraded by a roo or if others are picking at the feather shafts, until they molt and fill back in. If they are fine, just bare, I don't saddle. I will attach an image of the pattern I use to make my own, I use two layers of fabric with thin batting in between. An elastic loop goes from the neck corner to the front corner on each side where the red x's are, which slips over each wing, about 4"- 4.5" works, depending on the bird. They do not have to be fancy, just functional. I do not put decorations of any kind or shiny stuff on them.
