Saddle use and wearing schedule question

[marialane]

I have four hens that have developed bald spots on their backs. We realize that it is do to the attention of our Rooster. I purchased saddles and will attempt to put them on them today. I do have concerns though. I'm thinking that they are too small. Their six by six inches. The site said if unsure order a size down. My girls are small; anyway, am I right in thinking that when we go to put the saddle on, if it is too small, their wings not fit in it right?

Also, if the saddle is OK, do they wear them until their feathers come in (during the night and all) ?

Thanks all!

 

[superchemicalgirl]

I believe you leave the saddles on until they become worn, appear to be irritating the bird or gets too hot to wear.

I've been leaving mine on my girls day and night and they're fine. Their feathers were a bit muffed up the first few days, they straightened them out on their own and have stopped picking at it.

 

[dawg53]

I agree with superchemicalgirl, leave them on all the time if you wish. The elastic straps shouldnt be too tight fitting around their wings, but shouldnt be loose neither. Snug fit will work. They wont like them once you put them on them and will go crazy trying to get them off. But they'll settle back down once they used to them.

 

[marialane]

Thanks for your replies!

 

[gryeyes]

Anticipate watching your hens walk backwards trying to get out of them, at first. <*snicker*>

My rooster's favorite hen wore hers for four months. It was amazing how dirty it did NOT get. I had spares to put on her when it needed changing, and that was only necessary once. Amazed me.

She got out of it once by utilizing a rose bush, where it snagged and pulled off without her panicking about it. She wasn't happy when I caught her to put a one back on her, but after it was on, she just adjusted the straps herself and off she went just like normal.

GREAT solution for bare-backed hens!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I bought some for my hens in case needed, but my chickens free range and I am a little worried they will catch their saddles on something while out and maybe not be able to get lose, and possibly injure them selves has anyone used them on free range hens?

 

[dawg53]

Quote:
Mine wore them all the time with no issues while free ranging all day.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks dawg makes me feel better about using them if I have too.

 

[gryeyes]

Quote:
Mine wore them all the time with no issues while free ranging all day.

Ditto.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
Mine wore them all the time with no issues while free ranging all day.

Ditto.

Ditto again. I put one on a hen and we both immediately forgot about it. I swear she never knew it was there. I just used the no-sew pattern on here and cut it out of a piece of polarfleece. It only had wing holes, though. Mine also usually free range, and like to go under the bushes in the woods.