How long can a saddle stay on the hen?

[fat brown hen]

I've seen this asked before in the chicken section, but none of the threads had an answer: How long can you leave a saddle/apron on a hen? Any risk of mites or lice congregating underneath? What if it gets wet?

Rainy season coincides with mating season over here, and I am worried that my hen will be uncomfortable with a wet rag on her back.

 

[R2elk]

I've seen this asked before in the chicken section, but none of the threads had an answer: How long can you leave a saddle/apron on a hen? Any risk of mites or lice congregating underneath? What if it gets wet?

Rainy season coincides with mating season over here, and I am worried that my hen will be uncomfortable with a wet rag on her back.

It depends on the hen. I have a chicken hen that has had a saddle on her since last spring.

I have a turkey hen that has had a saddle on her since last breeding season. I had a turkey that I used to leave a saddle on her year round for at least 5 years.

I don't have a mite problem. It is possible that it could be a problem if you have a mite problem.

The weather caused no issues with the saddle but the saddles that I use are made of canvas.

 

[Molpet]

I had a saddle on several until it wears out.
I put a lb of elemental sulfur powder in the dust bath to take care of mites
Battling Chicken Mites with Bags of Brimstone https://share.google/2QFzg7ezSUbAHY5tG

 

[fat brown hen]

The weather caused no issues with the saddle but the saddles that I use are made of canvas.

Doesn't canvas absorb water?

 

[R2elk]

Doesn't canvas absorb water?

Canvas sheds water very well. It can get wet but dries quickly.