Chicken Saddle (Hen Apron) - Adjustable Hen Feather Saver

A chicken saddle, also called a hen apron or hen saver, is a hard-wearing canvas or mesh cover worn over a hen's back and under her wings. It helps protect feathers and skin from pecking and over-mating by cockerels, while allowing hens to move, forage, perch and dust-bathe naturally. During the moulting phase, the saddles also protect the hens' vulnerable back and bare skin while new feathers grow in.

• Adjustable straps pass under each wing and fasten on top
• Sits clear of the preen gland, so she can still preen, dust-bathe and forage
• Most hens ignore the saddles within a day, especially if put on at night before roosting

A hen will benefit from a saddle if she has worn, damaged or missing feathers on her back and shoulders. Saddles are commonly used during periods of feather regrowth, when introducing a cockerel to a flock, during the mating season and whenever a hen's back is bare or sore. The most common reasons for use are:

• Mating: To protect hens when a cockerel grips the back and wings as he treads
• Feather regrowth: Covers exposed skin while new feathers grow
• Feather pecking: Stops other hens targeting a bare patch
• Moulting: Protects a thin back in cold or wet weather.
• Summer sun: Shields pale skin; the grey mesh blocks up to 95% and helps hens stay cool
• Show season: Helps maintain feather condition and appearance for exhibition and championship show chickens

Fitting is very quick and easy. Simply place the saddle over the hen's back and secure the straps comfortably around the wings. Adjustable straps make fitting really simple, without needing to force the wings through small elastic loops.

• Lift each wing and slip the straps underneath
• Sit the saddle evenly across her back
• Adjust the straps for a comfortable fit, then position the removable shoulder protectors. Fold the top flap over and fasten to conceal the poppers and lock the shoulder protectors in place
• Check the saddle ends above the tail base, leaving the preen gland free.

Most hens settle within a day and carry on as normal

• Medium/Large fits most standard hens and hybrids. Colours: Green canvas, Burgundy canvas, Feather print canvas and Grey Mesh
• Small (Teal) fits bantams and lighter breeds.
• If you are concerned about hens getting too hot in very hot weather, choose the Grey Mesh: it allows maximum airflow, whilst still offering 95% shade protection

All the saddles have adjustable straps, with removable shoulder protectors and are easy to take off and wash

The original Down Under Outdoors chicken saddles are all made from durable, hard-wearing fabric designed for everyday flock life. They feature double-stitched seams, fully adjustable straps and rust-resistant copper snaps for long-lasting performance in all weather conditions. The saddles can be used season after season when cared for properly and stored well over winter:

• Canvas saddles: Green, Burgundy, Feather print and Teal colours
• Grey Mesh: UV-stabilised mesh that blocks up to 95% of the sun and allows maximum airflow in summer
• Fastenings: Rust-resistant copper metal snaps with adjustable straps for a secure fit.

Take the saddles off to hand wash or machine wash on a gentle cycle when needed. Allow to air dry naturally before refitting. Regular cleaning helps keep the saddle fresh and comfortable while extending its lifespan

Surrounded by a growing menagerie of animals, our home has been a rather busy place for the last few years as we've hatched, raised and kept quite a few different birds. Our interest in health has always extended to the 2 and 4-legged friends we share our home with, and these saddles have been brilliantly useful for keeping our chickens happy and healthy.

As we've started breeding our own chicks, we've experienced the challenges that can arise within a flock. These saddles offer a simple, practical way to protect vulnerable hens, support feather regrowth and promote wellbeing, while allowing the birds to remain part of the flock.

We chose the original Down Under Outdoors Chicken Saddles, rather than designing our own, because their reputation for quality, durability and effectiveness is well established, and we know that they work!

Just as we carefully select the foods, herbs and supplements that support our own health, we believe in offering simple, effective solutions that help the animals in our care to thrive too.