FAQs about Hen Saver hen aprons / chicken saddles

Should I report this to PETA? Nobody has a right to put saddles on chickens and ride them! Nobody!!!

Chicken saddles are not intended for a chicken to be ridden by a human. PETA will be happy to know that chicken saddles are intended to PROTECT hens from being harmed by the "treading" of roosters. The chicken saddle (or hen apron) protects the hen from being wounded by the rooster's nails and spurs by providing the rooster with traction and the hen with a barrier between the rooster's nails/spurs and her back.

What is the difference between the single and double strap styles? How do you put them on?

The single-strap hen apron secures to your chicken like a backpack: by pulling the left loop of the strap over your chicken’s left wing and the right loop over the right wing. Check that the straps are not caught in any feathers and be sure center the apron on the strap so that it sits squarely on your chicken. There is no strap crossing below the chicken's throat. The double-strap apron is secured by pulling it over the chicken’s head and placing your chicken’s head through the loops made by the intersection of the two straps. You must pull each strap over the appropriate wing (left strap over left wing, right strap over right wing). Be sure to keep a finger between the straps and the hen’s throat while you pull the straps over the wings so as not to inadvertently choke the chicken.

Which model is best for my chicken?

The single-strap hen apron has no strap across the chicken's chest and is therefore easier for most chickens to accept; however, some chickens may be able to remove the apron. The double-strap style crosses chicken chest, which takes chickens some time to get used to -- and some never do. This model is more difficult for chickens to remove. The single strap better accommodates size differences and seems to work better than the double strap on narrower/smaller standard chickens or much larger ones.

I put the hen apron on and my chicken is walking backwards (or lying down, or doing back flips, or rolling over…). Should I take it off?

The double-strap style crosses below the chicken's throat, which takes most chickens some time to get used to, either minutes, hours or perhaps days. Some of our customers refer to this time as “waiting for the backwards circus to end.” First, be sure the straps of the apron are not too tight under the chicken's throat. If they are, you need a larger size. If the straps fit well, but after a day or so your chicken acts like she is uncomfortable with the straps crossing her chest, or her antics cause other chickens to peck at her, you should return the apron for a single-strap model.

My hen apron is falling to the side. What can I do?

Make sure the apron is centered on the straps and the bird. You may have to adjust it periodically. If it frequently flops to the side, you may need to try a different size.

My hen apron is lifting up. What can I do?

The Hen Saver is intended to lift up when your chicken flaps her wings. This so that air can circulate under the apron and to enable your chicken to successfully take a dirt bath. If the apron stands up and stays up, your apron is too small for your chicken. You may exchange it for a different size.

My hen apron will not lay flat. What can I do?

Your apron is either too small for your hen or too wide between her shoulders. You should exchange it for a different size or model.

What size is best for my chicken?

Large fits most smaller standard-sized hens and Extra Large fits larger standard-sized hens. It is better to have an apron that is too large rather than too small, so if there is any doubt about size, go with an XL apron. The single strap style is more forgiving with regards to size as the straps secure around the wings and do not cross over the chest. Small and Medium sized aprons are for bantam chickens. They are very close in size to each other and much smaller than Large aprons. The small apron provides a better fit to slightly narrower and shorter-backed bantams such as Silkies. For roosters (hawk protection) size large fits bantam roosters, XL fits most standard roosters and XXL fits the "Big Boys."

I can buy cheaper chicken saddles elsewhere. Why should I buy Hen Savers?

Hen Savers are time tested and chicken approved. They are the safest chicken saddles / hen aprons on the market. Simply stated: You get what you pay for. 'Nuff said.

Do you make a water-proof model?

No. If you can "hose it off" it is unsafe to be used on a chicken! Beware of chicken saddles that are made of slick material or being sold as "water-proof." The slick material will NOT protect your hen from a rooster. Keep in mind that chicken saddles are called saddles for a reason: they enable a rooster to safely and securely tread on the hen without slipping off of her -- saddles should be textured so that the rooster can have traction, without which he will slide off the saddle and potentially slit open the hen's side(s) with his spur(s). Additionally, truly water-impervious material (such as vinyl, plastic, rain-coat material, neoprene, etcetera) is unbreathable and will cause your hen to over heat, which can result in death. SAFETY FIRST! A company manufacturing such saddles SHOULD be reported to PETA.

What are "Predator Eyes?"

Our patented Predator Eyes aprons are intended to inhibit hawks from attacking chickens. Our round eyes were designed with the help of a raptor expert and printed exclusively for us on strong, long-lasting, rip and tear-resistant duck cloth. Our predator eyes are hand-cut and sewn onto your apron; they are not flimsy decals.

Where are Hen Savers manufactured?

Our Hen Savers are made in the USA!