Everything About Chicken Harness: Why They Need It?

Ever seen photos of chickens out for a walk wearing little harnesses? What’s up with that? Is it just a silly pet owner trick or do chicken harnesses actually serve a purpose?

Well, it does serve a purpose. The chicken harness is a pretty useful tool for chicken keepers. When used properly, these allow you to take your chickens on exciting outdoor adventures in a safe and controlled way.

Curious to learn more? Keep reading the article as I’m coming up with a more in-depth view of the topic. Just keep on reading!

What is a Chicken Harness?

Well, it’s basically kind of a chicken outfit. It straps snugly around the chicken’s body, kinda like a dog harness. It has adjustable straps that go around the wings and belly to keep it in place.

There’s usually a metal ring on the back to attach a leash to. The leash lets you keep the chicken from wandering off when you take it outside.

Chicken harnesses come in different sizes to fit tiny bantam chickens all the way up to big ol’ roosters. They’re made out of soft, breathable fabric like mesh or nylon so they don’t rub or irritate the chicken’s skin.

Here’s a video of a chicken roam happily wearing a harness.

4 Reasons Why You Should Use a Chicken Harness

I already have talked about it a little. Let’s take a detailed look at why. 

1. To take chickens on walks or outings: With a harness, you can take your chickens to the park, hiking, or other adventures while keeping them secure. It’s fun for the chickens and gives them a change of scenery!
2. For therapy/emotional support chickens: According to a vet organization in America, you can train chickens as therapy animals. A harness helps keep the chicken under control during visits to schools, nursing homes, etc.
3. To restrict chickens’ movement: Harnesses are useful for keeping chickens from wandering into unwanted areas of the yard or garden. The leash limits how far they can go.
4. For agility training: Yes, you can train chickens to run little obstacle courses! A harness helps keep them focused on the handler.

Training Tips for Your Chickens to Wear Harnesses

Putting a harness on a chicken for the first time often doesn’t go very smoothly! Here are some tips for getting your bird used to wearing a harness.

1. Start young. It’s easiest to train baby chicks and young pullets to accept a harness. Waiting until a chicken is fully grown makes it harder to get them used to it.
2. Go slow. Begin by just showing the chicken the harness and letting them inspect it. Next, try loosely fitting it over their head so they learn how it feels.
3. Use treats. Bribe them with small tasty snacks to associate the harness with good things.
4. Increase time slowly. First, leave the harness on for just a minute or two, then build up the duration over multiple sessions.
5. Be calm and patient. Don’t force it. If the chicken seems distressed, take a break and try again later.
6. Watch for issues. Make sure the harness isn’t rubbing the skin or restricting movement. Check for signs of stress.
7. Practice outdoors. Once they tolerate wearing it, practice attaching the leash and walking around inside a protected outdoor area.

Can I Train Any Age of Chickens to Wear Harness?

Yes, but it’s recommended to start training them from a young age. Sometimes, size matters as it’s a kind of outfit. Now which chicken breeds are easy to train?

You can totally train chickens to rock harnesses and go for walks on leashes – it’s a fun way to bond with your feathery pals and get them some exercise! Certain breeds are extra chill and down to learn. Here are some good options:

• Buff Orpingtons – super friendly and easygoing dudes perfect for training.
• Cochins – total sweethearts with a relaxed vibe ideal for harnessing.
• Silkies – known for being docile and friendly, great for leash walking.
• Leghorns – active and curious chickens that take well to training.

Now just cause a breed is good for it doesn’t mean every chicken will be into harnesses. It’s best to start young so they get used to it early on. And be sure to get a properly fitted harness so it’s snug but not too tight on your chick. Happy training!

Chicken Harness Pros And Cons

Since chickens are not used to wearing an outfit in general, it might be difficult sometimes. It has some benefits and I’m gonna talk about these. But, the coin has another side as well. Let’s take a look at the prospects and concerns of chicken harnesses.

The Pros

• Allows chickens to safely explore new environments under supervision. This provides mental stimulation.
• Gives backyard chickens more exercise and outdoor time.
• Makes taking chickens on trips or to social events easier to manage.
• Can be a fun training activity and a way to bond with your chicken.

The Cons

• It takes time and patience to train chickens to accept wearing a harness. Some chickens may resist it.
• Chickens can overheat if exercised too vigorously in a harness, especially in summer. Monitor them closely.
• The harness needs to properly fit your chicken’s body to be comfortable and secure. Ill-fitting harnesses can rub or allow escape.
• A harness is not 100% predator-proof and should always be used under supervision only.

9 Personalized Safety Tips for Chicken Harness

Feeling tenses after seeing the list of concerns? Don’t you worry! Taking some safety tips while wearing harnesses to your chickens should keep everything right.

1. Avoid harnesses with neck straps. Look for an H-style harness that doesn’t put pressure on the neck.
2. Check the fit regularly as feathers and weight fluctuate. Make sure all straps are snug but not too tight.
3. Monitor while wearing the harness and don’t leave unsupervised. Remove immediately if issues arise.
4. Bring backup harnesses in case of breakage, slippage, etc. Carry medical info in case of emergency.
5. Use proper leash etiquette. Don’t drag them or make sudden jerky movements. Let the chicken sniff and peck.
6. Don’t keep the harness on all day – just during supervised outdoor time. The coop environment can cause issues.
7. Prevent overheating by walking during cooler parts of the day and bringing water.
8. Choose safe walking areas away from roads and predators. Stick to shady grass or trails.
9. Avoid having chickens wear harnesses every single day, even if they seem to tolerate it well. Give them days harness-free.

I hope you‘ve found these safety tips pretty helpful. Follow these measurements and your chickens will stay fit and fine!

Are There Any Chicken Harness Alternatives?

I understand, after knowing all of the above things, some of you might still not be impressed. You won’t let your chickens wear it. That’s your choice and I do respect that. If your chicken won’t take to a harness or you decide it’s not for you, try some other things. 

But be mindful, these aren’t really alternatives. These are all kind of free-ranging, but within a boundary, or with a high enclosure. 

1. Fenced enclosures: Build a secure outdoor run or coop attached to their housing so they can access it freely.
2. Supervised free-ranging: Let them roam your securely fenced yard while you work outside and can monitor them.
3. Chicken tractors: Moveable open-bottom coops that allow access to fresh grass each day.
4. Long leashes or pulley systems: Restricts wandering range but doesn’t require wearing a harness.

Related Readings:

• Chicken Harness Training Tips
• How To Create A Dust Bath For Your Chickens
• When Can Chicks Go Outside
• How To Raise Chickens With No Land

FAQs

To sharpen your knowledge a little more, don’t skip this Q&A section.

Final Words

Chicken harness typically consists of soft fabric or mesh that wraps around the chicken’s body, secured with adjustable straps. Wearing chicken harnesses does require some specialized training. However, they can be useful tools for enhancing backyard chickens’ exercise and enrichment.

With proper fitting, supervision, and common sense, chickens usually tolerate wearing harnesses well. Just be patient, start young, and make it a positive experience. In addition, gradual introduction and positive reinforcement help chickens get used to wearing the harness. Happy hiking with your hen!