Hen saddle question

[cheeperchick]

I have 2 pullets with saddles on them and I'm a little concerned that it may be too warm for them to wear as it starts to get warmer. We live in NM & it was 78 degrees in the coop on Sunday. Do hen saddles make the girls generate more body heat?

 

[HS Pye]

Hi,

We had hens with saddles on in 90 degree weather, it didn't generate heat. It's just a cover from cocks. Your hens will be fine.

HS Pye

 

[cheeperchick]

Hi,

We had hens with saddles on in 90 degree weather, it didn't generate heat. It's just a cover from cocks. Your hens will be fine.

HS Pye

Ok I figred they were hot because they were taking a dirt bath with them on in the nice cool dirt under the tree

 

[HS Pye]

Hi,

I've never heard of chickens taking dirt baths to cool down. We've had chickens (who had saddles on) sun-bathing, so I don't think it would hurt they.

HS Pye

 

[PioneerPrincess]

I would just keep an eye on the pullets that've got saddles on. If they appear hot or are panting, then you might want to go ahead and take them off just so they can be free from anything clinging to them which would make them hotter. I don't recall if I've put saddles on my chickens during the heat (I live in Texas, so it gets pretty hot here]. I know chickens take dust baths mostly so they can get rid of any parasites and such. Spreading cool dirt on hot skin would be an added bonus for sure!

Usually when the weather is above 90 degrees F here, I'll spray my chickens down with the hose; they don't like it, but it cools 'em down. You can also put out a wading pool or a shallow bucket for your chickens to stand in when they're really hot. Hope that helps you out!

 

[cheeperchick]

I would just keep an eye on the pullets that've got saddles on.  If they appear hot or are panting, then you might want to go ahead and take them off just so they can be free from anything clinging to them which would make them hotter.    I don't recall if I've put saddles on my chickens during the heat (I live in Texas, so it gets pretty hot here].  I know chickens take dust baths mostly so they can get rid of any parasites and such.  Spreading cool dirt on hot skin would be an added bonus for sure!   Usually when the weather is above 90 degrees F here, I'll spray my chickens down with the hose; they don't like it, but it cools 'em down.  You can also put out a wading pool or a shallow bucket for your chickens to stand in when they're really hot.  Hope that helps you out!

Thanks.I haven't seen them pant, just bathing alot. it may be time to clean the coop & run.

Here they are modeling their saddles..

 

[RedDrgn]

If the saddles fit well and are not too tight, then it should not be an issue since they sit on top of the feathers and shouldn't really restrict the hen from fluffing her plumage and/or preening (ours stick their heads right under their saddles to preen). The saddles really don't offer much in the way of thermal insulation. As long as your flock has a means to get out of direct sunlight and have access to plenty of water, they should be in good shape.