Chicken saddle

[Nimueh Alene]

can someone recommend a fabric and the length of the elastic needed to make chicken Saddles I have Easter Eggers that I just got that are literally torn apart by rooster where exactly do I measure these birds one's a little on the Slimmer side ones built like a tank any help would be useful

 

[azygous]

Having made my share of saddles over the years, I've discovered denim or canvas will hold its shape and remain in place better than thinner fabrics. I've taken advantage of colorful scraps of a variety of fabric by doubling or tripling the layers and sewing them together.

Hens are Houdinis at getting out of these garments. I've found that velcro at the end of half to 3/4 inch elastic works the best, and if you can bring it up under the wing pits from the side of the saddle and fasten at the top of the shoulder toward the back, the hen is least likely to be able to pick loose the strap and velcro.

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

I really like this pattern. I used an 11 inch piece of elastic for my EE's. I like this criss- cross elastic style. My rooster is 8.5 pounds and would just rip off the simple over the shoulder saddles. Also, you should cut a scoop out at the back of this pattern to allow the hen to access her oil gland just above her tail. I have even found some nice little interlocking clips (plastic bra type clips), that make it even easier to put on the saddles! I found a really nice upholstery type fabric with a corn field photo print, by Farmland. It adds a little camouflage to their backs. Hope this helps.