Chicken Saddles

[Byrdj]

I have a 10 lb. Cuckoo Marans rooster that has treaded all the feathers off my hen's backs. Have any of you had any luck with using chicken saddles to prevent this? If so, are some designed better, or all of them about the same? Know of any good sources?

 

[artsyrobin]

i got mine from lovemychix, here is a link to the saddles- i've never had a problem with them and the girls don't mind them
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=269392

she mails them quickly too...

 

[gritsar]

I have one hen that has to wear a saddle. It works well. She walks backwards when I first put it on her, trying to walk out from under it, but then she ignores it.

 

[Dora'smom]

I got one from Randall Burkey, and it is well-made. They didn't have a lot of color choices, but I got the camo one, and it is very cute on our Buff Orpingon pullet, Sassy. Initially she picked at it, and tried to work the elastic off, but that only lasted a few minutes, and then she settled down. By the next day, it seemed like a part of her, and she doesn't seem to notice it at all.
I traced the pattern before I put it on, and could probably make my own, if I want more, but I think the new version of the Gail Damerow Storey's guide has a pattern that can be enlarged, as well.
Our problem wasn't roosters injuring our pullets, but the girls pecking each other. The saddle has helped Sassy, but what has helped us even more is the pinless peepers. Once they got used to them, simply no more pecking. Not all of our girls wear them, just those who cause trouble.

 

[Byrdj]

Thanks. I'll order some. Yeah, the roo caused the hen's feathers to come out and the other hens keep pecking out the new feathers as they try to come in.

 

[SallyF]

Quote:
Thank you. I have one hen wearing a saddle and she's fine with it. Put one on another girl and all she did was walk backwards, so I took it off. I'd never seen one do that before, so I'm glad to hear it's (almost) normal!

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Thank you. I have one hen wearing a saddle and she's fine with it. Put one on another girl and all she did was walk backwards, so I took it off. I'd never seen one do that before, so I'm glad to hear it's (almost) normal!

First, let's dispel the myth that there's anything normal about chickens. Strange little creatures they are.

However, you can leave the saddle on her and she'll get over it.

 

[Byrdj]

Quote:
I bought some from lovemychix and they are working great. I put them on my hens after they went to roost and the next morning were walking around like they always do. I'll order some more from her.

 

[Airilith]

Dora'smom :

I got one from Randall Burkey, and it is well-made. They didn't have a lot of color choices, but I got the camo one, and it is very cute on our Buff Orpingon pullet, Sassy. Initially she picked at it, and tried to work the elastic off, but that only lasted a few minutes, and then she settled down. By the next day, it seemed like a part of her, and she doesn't seem to notice it at all.
I traced the pattern before I put it on, and could probably make my own, if I want more, but I think the new version of the Gail Damerow Storey's guide has a pattern that can be enlarged, as well.
Our problem wasn't roosters injuring our pullets, but the girls pecking each other. The saddle has helped Sassy, but what has helped us even more is the pinless peepers. Once they got used to them, simply no more pecking. Not all of our girls wear them, just those who cause trouble.

What is a pinless peeper?​