The Chicken Chick® Hen Mating Saddle™

Some roosters are gentlemen.

Some apparently believe every hen in the flock signed up for a full-contact relationship.

The Chicken Chick® Hen Mating Saddle™ helps protect a hen's back, shoulders, and wings from feather damage, bald spots, and skin injuries caused by repeated rooster mating. Designed by backyard chicken keeper and author Kathy Shea Mormino, The Chicken Chick®, it provides extra-wide coverage without preventing normal chicken activities.

Because sometimes the rooster isn't going anywhere.

But his toenails could use a little less access.

Protection for Hens with Overenthusiastic Roosters

The Hen Mating Saddle™ is made from sturdy, lightweight duck cloth with reinforced stitching to help maintain its shape through regular wear and washing.

Its extra-wide design covers vulnerable areas across the hen's shoulders, wings, and back, while elastic wing straps and double snaps hold the saddle in place. Hens can still walk, eat, drink, preen, and dust bathe normally while wearing a properly fitted saddle.

Features

• Helps protect hens from rooster mating damage
• Extra-wide shoulder, wing, and back coverage
• Sturdy, lightweight duck cloth
• Reinforced stitching
• Elastic wing straps with double snaps
• Camouflage pattern
• Machine washable and dryable
• Designed by Kathy Shea Mormino, The Chicken Chick®
• Available in Standard, Medium/Skinny, and Bantam sizes

Choose the Right Size

Available in three sizes:

• Standard
• Medium/Skinny
• Bantam

Choose the size that lies comfortably across your hen's back without pinching or restricting normal wing movement. Fit the individual hen rather than relying on breed alone.

How to Put on the Hen Mating Saddle™

Kathy recommends putting the saddle on at night while the hen is calmly roosting. Many hens initially react to the unfamiliar feeling of something on their backs, and wearing it overnight gives them time to adjust.

Unfasten the snaps and place the saddle on the hen's back with the elastic straps alongside her wings. Lift one wing slightly, bring the snaps together beneath the saddle, and fasten them. Repeat on the opposite side.

Make sure the saddle lies flat and isn't pinching or restricting her wings before returning her to the roost.

Check the fit and the skin underneath regularly. The saddle can remain in place while feathers regrow as long as it stays clean, dry, undamaged, and properly fitted.

Do not use a saddle to cover an active or untreated wound. Address wounds and excessive mating pressure appropriately before using the saddle as protective coverage.

Care

Machine wash and dry. Inspect the fabric, stitching, elastic, and snaps before putting the saddle back on your hen. Replace it if any part becomes worn or damaged.

Your hen gets her feathers back.

Your rooster gets boundaries.

Everybody learns something.

Well, probably not the rooster.