Chicken saddle to protect wound

[chynasparks]

My RIR hen has big wound on her back. I have a rooster and 3 hens. Rooster is prolific and created a sore on her back. Before I knew it she had a big sore on her back. She's being eaten by the others. So I've isolated her and ordered chicken saddles for the hens. The other 2 are getting bare backs but my red us the only one that bled. My plan is to treat her wound and use the saddle to cover the area so she can mingle with the others. She can stay in quarantine when I'm not around. I'm hoping she Well heel and I won't have the problem of reintroducing her back into the flock. Does anyone have experience with a chicken saddle? Do you think this will work?

 

[Judy]

I have used them with good success, and read of many others using them, as well as seen pics of flocks with a few hens with saddles. But that's more for protecting intact skin that has had the feathers pulled. I don't know that I'd count on it to protect a wound, to prevent others from eating the wound. Besides, it wouldn't stop flies from laying eggs in the wound. I think I'd keep the bird indoors til the wound is healed.

 

[chynasparks]

I've been talking with someone at a local feed store about my plan. I have my Tillie isolated. I was told if flies become a problem I could cover the would with vasoline. At this time I don't have flies or bugs around. I want to put a chicken saddle on and let her out with the others, take it off when I put her back in her isolated area. Just to prevent picking while they are together. I think it should be open to air. I ordered saddles on line so I have to wait. That will give the wound a start on healing. I feel like such a bad chicken momma. This wound got so big like over night. I'm going use the saddles on my other 2 hens. They are getting bare backs from the rooster. Seems like a lot of work but, to have them is to care for them. I'm learning as I go.

 

[chynasparks]

Well, here's something I hadn't considered or seen until just this morning. Out checking on Tillie for her first night in isolation, she's pecking at her own wound!!!! Aaargh!!!!! I hadn't thought of that. I put a thick layer of vasoline over the area. I hope she's going to heal. I've seen pictures of much worse before and after. I'm hopeful but worried at the same time.

 

[Judy]

If you have an old sweatshirt or polarfleece shirt around, you can make your own saddles. This is the onl kind I've used. Not as pretty, but finctional. I don't bother with the tail feather hole, myself.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/patterns-chicken-saddles

 

[chynasparks]

Thanks for the idea. If they work I may go ahead and make a few. The will have to be taken off and washed.

 

[chynasparks]

This is an update about my Tillie and the wound on her back. My idea is working great! Her back is healing nicely, it's staying clean. No flies have gotten to it. She's tolerating the saddle fine and Bill is too. He started out pecking and pulling at it. I also have one on my Orpington. As my sister it it, she looks like she's ready for the broiler. But no open wounds. She now has some feathers trying to gro back in. So, for my girls, using the saddle like a bandaid is working. I'm glad because I didn't want to put her down. She is the sweetest friendliest one I have.