9 Best Chicken Saddles or Hens Aprons (Editor’s Choice)

Chicken saddles, or hen aprons, are one of the most essential things to use in backyard poultry. They are one of the best tools to keep your hens beautiful and healthy.

How? Keep reading.

In this, we have provided a list of top 9 best chicken saddles or aprons, with FAQs. Let’s start!

What are chicken saddles?

A chicken saddle also known as a hen apron is a protective covering that prevents hens’ backs from getting injured by the rooster’s nails or spurs during mating.

A chicken’s back is particularly vulnerable during mating because birds possess no such protective spines on their backs. 

Due to their instinctive need to run around the flock searching for the best mate, these chickens are prone to injuries from their flock mates. 

When a chicken is injured by its flock mates, it cannot mate and this can lead to a poor egg-laying cycle. Not only this, the back of the hens look ugly because of excessive feather loss and injuries. 

Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Benefits of using a chicken saddle for your hen?

There are many benefits of using a saddle (hens apron) on your hen. Some of them are:

1. The use of a chicken saddle reduces the chances of injury to your hens during mating. It allows a hen to mate even when she has suffered an injury that may otherwise hamper her ability to breed.

2. The aprons also help prevent feather pecking. They cover the flanks and hindquarters of hens, and the feathers on these body parts are prone to be pecked off by other chickens. The saddles will protect these parts of your hen’s body and assure you of a better immunity to disease and illness.

3. The saddles are also useful in keeping hens warm during cold winters. The hen apron also greatly reduces the chances of your hen suffering from respiratory ailments. This can be attributed to the fact that the saddle covers a large surface area of the hen. It acts as a barrier between the flanks, hindquarters, and upper body from the cold.

4. The hens apron prevents cannibalism from other chickens. In addition to preventing feather pecking, a chicken saddle will also keep your hens safe from being pecked and eaten by other chickens in your flock.

Also read: All about chicken pecking order

Top 9 Best Chicken Saddles or Hens Apron

There are several types of chicken saddles on the market today. Some are made of hard plastic, while others are structured like leather and nylon.

Here are some of our recommended best chicken saddles and aprons for your backyard hens who are proven to work better than others:

1. Down Under Outdoors Premium Chicken Saddle

Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Down Under Outdoors Premium Chicken Saddle is one of the best chicken saddles in the market today. It is a cotton saddle that has been designed to protect your hens’ backs during mating season. 

The lightweight material on the cover of this hens apron prevents it from getting dirty when the rooster steps on it. 

The chicken saddle is also made to provide comfort to your hen and has a special design that is breathable and comfort while mating. It is made in the USA and has a drawstring waist that can be adjusted to the size of your hens.

Pros

• Simple design.
• Special drawstring waist that allows for easy adjustment.
• Made of quality cotton.
• Comes in different colors and sizes

Cons

• Sizes may not be the perfect fit for all hen breeds.
• Little expensive.

2. Standard Chicken Saddle (3 Pieces Hens Apron)

Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is a 3 piece chicken saddle and one of the most popular chicken saddles in the world. It is filled with a foam material that helps provide your hen with more cushioning and comfort while it runs to find its mate.

 The saddle has a special design that covers the flanks and hindquarters of your hen, protecting her from any injuries.

The saddle is color resistant and made of durable material. It can be washed with mild soap and water after use to keep it clean and hygienic.

Pros

• Durable material that can be washed with mild soap and water.
• Special design to provide better protection for the flanks and hindquarters of your hen.
• Easy to use.
• Has an attractive design.
• Re-usable.

Cons

• All three pieces of saddles may not fit all breeds.
• The material may fray after a period of time of use.

3. Reversible Standard Size Chicken Saddles 

Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

These are a pair of usable hen saddles. They are made from hard plastic that gives them the ability to resist wear and tear. 

The saddles have holes that allow the hen to breathe while mating, and they are made to provide better protection against feather pecking. 

The saddles are easy to use, and they come in different sizes. This makes it to be among one of the most popular chicken saddles in the world today.

Pros

• They are made from high-quality material.
• They cover a large surface area of the hen’s flanks, hindquarters, and upper body.
• Simple and easy to use
• Easy to clean
• Has a universal design that can be used on all breeds of hens

Cons

• May cause injury to your hen’s legs. 
• The material may have an odor after several uses.

4. Pranovo 2 Pack Standard Chicken Saddle Hen

Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

These are a very popular pair of chicken saddles in the markets that are specifically designed to provide better protection against feather pecking. They have holes in them that provide air circulation. 

The saddles are made from high-quality material, and they come in different sizes. They are also easy to use, and they can be used for different types of hens. The saddles are made of nylon.

Pros

• Made from high-quality material.
• Can be used for different breeds of hens.
• Easy to use.
• Easy to clean.
• Ideal for preventing the bird from feather pecking.
• Has a universal design that is suitable for all breed hens. 

Cons

• May have an odor after many uses. 
• They may have a tendency to get frayed after numerous uses.

5. Seidens Chicken Saddle Set

Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is a medium-sized saddle in a set of two. The saddles are made from nylon and have holes that allow the hen to breathe more easily. 

They are also made from high-quality material that can withstand several uses before it gets damaged or worn out. 

The saddles have a universal design that is suitable for all breeds of hens. It is among the top-rated saddles for chicken known today.

Pros

• High-quality material that can withstand various uses. 
• Can be adjusted to fit different sizes of hens. 
• Easy to use.
• Easy to clean. 
• Universal design that is suitable for all breeds of hens.
• It has a special design that covers the flanks and hindquarters of your hen, preventing her from getting injured during mating season.

Cons

• Not suitable for large chicken breeds.
• The material may fray after many uses. 
• May have an odor after various uses.

6. Chicken Saddles for Hens Saddle By Geyoga

Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is a chicken saddle that is made from high-quality leather. It is in the list of the best saddles for chickens. The saddle has a universal design that can be used for different types of hens. 

The saddles are also easy to use, and they come in different colors and sizes. They are made from quality leather that is resistant to wear and tear, odor, and tearing.

Pros

• Made with quality leather that can withstand several uses. 
• Easy to adjust. 
• Soft material that provides your hens with comfort and cushions their bodies.
• Has a universal design that is suitable for all breeds of hens.
• Easily cleaned with mild soap and water.
• Easy to use and easy to wash after each use.

Cons

• May have an odor after few uses. 
• The material may fray after several uses.
• May not be the perfect fit for all breeds of hens.

7. The Chicken Chick Hen Mating Saddle

Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The chicken chick hen mating saddle is also among the best chicken saddles in the market. It is a saddle that is made from nylon and has a universal design that is suitable for all breeds of hens. 

The saddle has holes that provide air circulation, and it is easy to use. The saddle can be washed with mild soap and water as many times as you want. It is also easy to adjust, and it is made to provide better protection against feather pecking.

Pros

• Made from high-quality material. 
• Comes with a universal design that is suitable for all breeds of hens. 
• It has a special design that covers the flanks and hindquarters of your hen, preventing her from getting injured during mating season. 
• Easy and simple to use. 
• Comes in different sizes and colors.

Cons

• Relatively expensive
• May have an odor after several uses.
• May fray after several uses.

8. Standard Size Chicken Saddles

Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The standard size chicken saddle is among one of the most popular saddles in the markets today. They are made from high-quality material, and they have a special design that covers the flanks, hindquarters, and upper body of your hen. 

They are also made from quality material that is resistant to wear and tear, odor, and tearing. This hen aprons come in different sizes and have a universal design that is suitable for all breeds of hens.

Pros

• Good at preventing damage to the bird. 
• Provides comfort to your hen. 
• Have holes that allow for better air circulation.
• Made from high-quality material. 
• Comes with an attractive design. 
• Easy and simple to use. 
• Comes in different sizes and colors.

Cons

• Little expensive
• Sizes may not be the perfect fit for all hen breeds. 
• The material may fray after a period of time of use.

9. Chicken Saddle Chicken Jacket Straps Hen Apron Poultry Protector

Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is one of the best chicken saddles or hens apron set by Weewooday. In this pack, you will get 3 hen saddles.

The adjustable elastic is good because it helps you to put this apron on your different size of flocks. These saddles help your chickens from pecking and clawing.

It nicely covers the shoulders and back region of your hens body, which will help her to heal the already damaged feathers and also avoid further damage. The product is lightweight, durable, and safe, so your hens will love to wear it without any discomfort.

These chicken saddles are washable, easy to fold and store. So, when you need them in mating season, put them on your hens body.

Pros

• Good quality.
• Easy to use.
• Washable.

Cons

• Elastic needs to be adjustable.

Editor’s Choice on Best Chicken Saddles or Hens Apron

I would recommend the Down Under Outdoors Premium Chicken Saddle. It is the best and most affordable chicken saddle set that I have found so far. 

This set is suitable for all breeds of hens, and you can use it on different types of chickens. The saddles are of high-quality material, and they are easy to clean. 

They are also made from quality leather that can withstand several uses before getting damaged or worn out. I recommend this product to anyone who wants a decent product at an affordable price. 

This product has a universal design that is suitable for all breeds of hens. It is also easy to use and easy to clean.

FAQs on Chicken Saddles

1. Why do chickens wear saddles?

Chicken saddles or hens aprons are used to prevent chickens from being injured during mating season. During the mating season, chickens compete with each other for a mate. Some hens may die during this time due to severe feather pecking or aggression from roosters. 

2. How much do saddles cost?

The cost depends on the material used to manufacture the saddle and its size. Saddles may cost from $10 to $40. Some saddles may also cost more than $100, depending on the brand you choose.

3. Do chicken saddles work?

When used appropriately, saddles are an important part of your chicken’s health care. They can help prevent chickens from getting injured during mating season. They can also protect hens during the severe feather pecking that may occur during mating season.

4. How do you put a chicken saddle on?

It is easy to put a saddle on your chicken. Simply slide the saddle over your hen’s wings and legs (if she has them). Then, buckle down the buckles and tighten them with a string. Finally, attach the lead to her neck.

5. Why worry about chicken saddle mites?

Chicken saddle (hens apron) mites may be an annoying parasite that feeds on the blood of your chickens. They are especially active during the summer months, especially in states where there are a lot of trees. 

They tend to crawl under your hens’ wings, underneath their breasts, and other parts of their body.  If you notice that your hens are constantly scratching or having mites, it is necessary to have them checked. 

Conclusion

Chicken saddles are used to prevent chickens from being injured during mating season. When a hen has a tender spot on her, it is a good idea to put a saddle there.

You should also ensure that the saddles are in good condition so that they do not easily get damaged or torn.

I hope this list of best chicken saddles and aprons helped you to keep your flocks clean and beautiful.