How to Make a Chicken Harness: 11 Steps
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Introduction:
A chicken harness is an essential tool for anyone who wants to give their feathered friends more opportunities for exploration and exercise outside the coop. Follow these simple steps to make a chicken harness that fits your bird comfortably and securely.
1. Measure your chicken: To ensure that you have a perfectly fitting harness, you’ll need to measure the circumference of your chicken’s neck and its chest just behind the wings. Use a soft measuring tape or a piece of string, and record the measurements.
2. Gather supplies:
– Fabric for the straps
– Buckles
– D-rings
– Sewing supplies (needle, thread, clips)
– Fabric marker or fabric chalk
– Scissors
3. Cut fabric: Cut two long strips of fabric according to the measurements obtained. The width should be around an inch or less, depending on your chicken’s size.
4. Attach buckles: Fold one end of each fabric strip to create a small loop, and insert a buckle through it. Secure this by sewing the folded portion.
5. Add D-rings: About two inches away from the buckle end, attach a D-ring to each strip by folding the fabric around it and sewing in place.
6. Determine strap length: Lay out one fabric strip flat on a surface and measure the distance from the buckle to D-ring. This will give you an idea of how long each strap should be to fit comfortably on your chicken.
7. Sew straps together: Place two fabric strips on top of each other (D-ring sides facing each other) with about 3 inches between D-rings. Sew the center portion of straps together to create one three-inch-long crossbar, connecting them at equal distances from their respective D-rings.
8. Adjust straps: Place the crossbar portion over your chicken’s back with one strap going across the neck and the other across the chest, just behind the wings. Adjust the length of each strap according to your pet’s comfort and ensure that they are not too tight or loose.
9. Secure straps on chicken: Fasten the buckles on each strap to keep the harness in position on your chicken.
10. Attach a leash: Clip a leash onto both D-rings to give your chicken more freedom to explore outdoors while maintaining control.
11. Enjoy walks with your chicken: Monitor your feathered friend during walks, making sure they are comfortable and enjoying their new-found freedom.
Conclusion:
Making a chicken harness is an easy and affordable way to give your backyard birds a chance to explore outside of their coop safely. With these simple steps, you’ll have a custom-fit harness ready for your next adventure with your feathery companion!