Hi Terrie - I tried messaging you, but this reply is too long. So I'll just post it here.
Yes, I've sewed a whole "line" of saddles for my hens, each different, focusing on different problem areas. But the breast area is one I have never designed a saddle to try to cover. I have no doubt that if I put my mind to it, I could come up with something. But a pattern for this, I do not have. I have never seen a saddle pattern that does, either. I wish I could help. Maybe someone else reading this thread can provide a link to a pattern.
When I do design a saddle, I just start cutting and fitting. The poor hen gets dragged into the house many times for fittings as I sew. Then they get to wear the finished product, and I usually have to take it right back off and start in on modifications. It's quite a process!
Some tips I can offer :
Hens will try to get out of the saddle any way they can. It's amazing what they can manipulate with their beaks. Velcro is the best fastener, but you need to make the patch at least an inch square or a hen can pull it apart.
Hens seem most comfortable with elastic straps that fit under the wing pits as opposed to across the breast. I would try incorporating the breast covering into these wing straps. You would have to have an elastic strap holding the breast piece against their tummy, but you'll have to experiment on whether it can go in front of her legs or behind her legs. I think behind, or she'll try to walk out of the saddle.
It's a challenge, but lots of fun. I've seen patterns where no sewing at all is required as well as complex ones. I suggest you keep looking at patterns and find one you can modify to address the problem of your particular hen! Perhaps find a simple saddle and add additional material to the sides, bringing the "flaps" down across her tummy and fasten them together in the middle of her breast. Good luck!
Yes, I've sewed a whole "line" of saddles for my hens, each different, focusing on different problem areas. But the breast area is one I have never designed a saddle to try to cover. I have no doubt that if I put my mind to it, I could come up with something. But a pattern for this, I do not have. I have never seen a saddle pattern that does, either. I wish I could help. Maybe someone else reading this thread can provide a link to a pattern.
When I do design a saddle, I just start cutting and fitting. The poor hen gets dragged into the house many times for fittings as I sew. Then they get to wear the finished product, and I usually have to take it right back off and start in on modifications. It's quite a process!
Some tips I can offer :
Hens will try to get out of the saddle any way they can. It's amazing what they can manipulate with their beaks. Velcro is the best fastener, but you need to make the patch at least an inch square or a hen can pull it apart.
Hens seem most comfortable with elastic straps that fit under the wing pits as opposed to across the breast. I would try incorporating the breast covering into these wing straps. You would have to have an elastic strap holding the breast piece against their tummy, but you'll have to experiment on whether it can go in front of her legs or behind her legs. I think behind, or she'll try to walk out of the saddle.
It's a challenge, but lots of fun. I've seen patterns where no sewing at all is required as well as complex ones. I suggest you keep looking at patterns and find one you can modify to address the problem of your particular hen! Perhaps find a simple saddle and add additional material to the sides, bringing the "flaps" down across her tummy and fasten them together in the middle of her breast. Good luck!
