Saddles for hens - how to put them on?

[C Siena]

I am going to tag @Elspeth Dinsmore @Tiffany Wikk @CCsGarden on chicken saddles. I need to put a saddle on 1 hen definitely and probably another. I looked at the picture of the ones you made from a piece of fleece.

My question is putting it on the hen.
Do I put one wing in the side with a 3" opening and then put the other in?
As there is about 6" between the wing openings, it seems that I will be over extending her 2nd wing to get it in the opening.

Is this what I should do? I want to ask before I make this and try to put it on her.
I watched a YT video but it was with elastic straps, more forgiving in movement but also need to be sewn/stitched saddle.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

What I do is I'll pull the elastic out on one side, put the wing through, then pull it tight on the other side to get the other wing through. After that I'll straighten the saddle out so it's even and I'll run my fingers along the elastic to make sure no feathers are stuck in an uncomfortable position. The hen doesn't always cooperate, so sometimes it's best to do it at night when the hen is tired and won't mind as much. That'll also help you recatch her if you see it not fitting properly.

I will ask about the fleece: How heavy is it? If the saddle isn't heavy enough, it won't work properly. That's why they're often made out of canvas or jean material. On the saddles I make, because the machine can't handle the double layer of jean, I'll do jean on top (where the most ware happens), fleece on bottom (when it'll be a cushion for the hen), and a heavy piece of jean inside to act as extra weight (without that weight, the saddle would flip up when the hen was mounted).

 

[C Siena]

What I do is I'll pull the elastic out on one side, put the wing through, then pull it tight on the other side to get the other wing through. After that I'll straighten the saddle out so it's even and I'll run my fingers along the elastic to make sure no feathers are stuck in an uncomfortable position. The hen doesn't always cooperate, so sometimes it's best to do it at night when the hen is tired and won't mind as much. That'll also help you recatch her if you see it not fitting properly.

I will ask about the fleece: How heavy is it? If the saddle isn't heavy enough, it won't work properly. That's why they're often made out of canvas or jean material. On the saddles I make, because the machine can't handle the double layer of jean, I'll do jean on top (where the most ware happens), fleece on bottom (when it'll be a cushion for the hen), and a heavy piece of jean inside to act as extra weight (without that weight, the saddle would flip up when the hen was mounted).

Thank you. I probably should have posted differently.

The saddle made of fleece was by the ones I tagged. It did Not have elastic on it. If I need to, I will make the one with the elastic but I will have to purchase the elastic and not sure if it is sold in short amounts. Then I will have to stitch it by hand as our sewing machine is not working. Also, I live in a rural area. The only place for notions and fabric is Walmart 20-25 minutes away. I can call them to ask if they have what I need (elastic for the wings/chest).

I asked about the lightweight fleece as it is hot now and I am unsure about adding something (a heavier material) which will make the hen hotter this summer.

Thank you for responding and I will do that if I cannot make one without the elastic.

 

[CCsGarden]

Can I get you pictures of the saddles I made, tomorrow? I make a hole for the neck since mine take it off. Each wing goes thru a opening.

 

[C Siena]

Can I get you pictures of the saddles I made, tomorrow? I make a hole for the neck since mine take it off. Each wing goes thru a opening.

I have the image you posted of the pinkish round fleece saddle. Yes, I would like to see your other one. When you have time.

I'm wondering about putting their wings through the openings. Does the fleece stretch a little?

 

[CCsGarden]

I have the image you posted of the pinkish round fleece saddle. Yes, I would like to see your other one. When you have time.

I'm wondering about putting their wings through the openings. Does the fleece stretch a little?

Yes it does stretch! I can take a quick video on how I do it.

 

[C Siena]

Yes it does stretch! I can take a quick video on how I do it.

Wow! Thank you so very much!

 

[GuineaMania]

Do you mean something like this?

 

[C Siena]

Do you mean something like this?

View attachment 4172719

Yes, very similar but on the one @CCsGarden posted (from another member), it wings openings are a bit of a slant. Her image also has measurements.

 

[CCsGarden]

Yes, very similar but on the one @CCsGarden posted (from another member), it wings openings are a bit of a slant. Her image also has measurements.
View attachment 4172722

I do a little oval for the openings. You can follow her picture there. Remember the sizes will be different for the size of the chicken.