Most folks think that only dogs like to go for walks, but other animals like it, too! Some people walk other pets, like cats, iguanas, and even chickens. If you have chickens and want to take one for a walk, lead them on a harness with a leash, just like a dog. For the crafty chicken owner, make them a harness!
Steps
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Measure your chicken’s neckline and waistline. Use your measuring tape and wrap it carefully around your chicken’s neckline and waistline. These two measurements correspond to the wraparound arms of the harness, which will create an H-shape once you create the pattern.
- The middle line of the H will run along the chicken’s back, just like other standard pet harnesses.
- Make sure not to tighten the measuring tape too much or too little. You should have about two-fingers’ worth of space between your chicken and the tape. [1] X Research source
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Draw and cut out the pattern on scrap fabric before cutting your harness fabric. Using your measurements, draw the H-shaped pattern on scrap fabric. Remember, the arms of the H needs to wrap around your chicken’s neckline and waistline comfortably.
- Make sure the arms of the H are wide enough to allow for the Velcro clasps to overlap and stick together. [2] X Research source
- Most standard sewing Velcro is 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) wide. To secure the Velcro to the harness piece, make sure your harness is at least 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) wider than the Velcro on both sides.
- The length of the harness arms is determined by the neckline and waistline measurements, so your Velcro pieces should be as long as necessary to close the harness securely around your chicken.
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Fit the scrap fabric on your chicken. As the old saying goes, “measure twice, cut once.” Place the middle line of the H-shaped fabric along the back of the chicken, and then wrap the arms around its neckline and waistline.
- Make sure the fabric wraps around your chicken comfortably. If your pattern is too loose, trim the edges and re-test on your chicken. If your pattern is too tight, re-draw the pattern on more scrap fabric and re-test.
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Draw and cut out the pattern on your harness fabric. Draw your pattern on your harness fabric and use fabric shears (or heavy-duty scissors) to cut out your pattern.
- You will only need one H-shaped piece for canvas fabric. Most pet harnesses are made of a fabric like canvas, as canvas is stretchy but sturdy, breathable, and lightweight. [3] X Research source
- Don’t forget to cut your Velcro pieces to the appropriate size now that your harness is cut to the correct shape you want.
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Draw and cut out a piece of strapping from the canvas fabric for the D-ring. The strapping piece attaches to the back of the harness. This is where you attach the D-ring, a strong, lightweight piece of metal that your chicken’s leash will clip onto.
- The strapping piece should be about 1-inch wide and shorter than the H-shaped harness piece.
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Sew the strapping piece to the back of the harness. Pin the strapping piece to the back of the H-shaped piece with a pin needle. To secure heavy fabric together, use a strong, secure stitch that’s hard to rip apart, like a zig-zag stitch.
- Only sew the top of the strapping to the harness! You will need to slip the D-ring on to the strapping before you sew the bottom to the harness.
- Sew the bottom of the strapping onto the harness after sliding the D-ring onto the strapping. Remember, the D-ring is for your chicken’s leash.
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Sew the Velcro pieces onto the arms of the harness. You can use a simple standard stitch for the Velcro, but go over the edges twice, to secure the Velcro to the harness. The sturdier the stitch, the more secure the Velcro will be.
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Finish your harness with a finishing stitch. You can finish a hem with a simple standard stitch, like you used for securing the Velcro to the arms of the harness, or you can try something more fun, like a zigzag edge !
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Calm your chicken before putting on the harness. Like any animal getting fitted into a new harness, your chicken might be fussy. Some chickens like to be pet to calm down, like dogs, so try petting it first. If you can’t seem to get the harness on the chicken, wait a few hours and try again.
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Slide the harness on carefully. Both of you are new to the harness, so take your time. This is a great time to double-check that the harness fits correctly! Make sure the Velcro closes together completely and tug gently on the strapping piece.
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Get your chicken used to the harness. Put the harness on your chicken daily to get them used to it. Put the harness on for a few days, and, once your chicken feels comfortable, take them for a walk!
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhere can I walk the chicken?Community AnswerIt depends where you live. I have chickens that I walk around my local park, but it is not a busy park. Do not take them to a park with a dog park, or lots of kids and craziness. It's also a good idea to stay away from busy roads and cities. Open, quiet spaces are best.
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QuestionIf they're chicks can still I walk them with a small version? Or should I wait till they're adults?KxtherineCommunity AnswerYes, you can walk them as long as they're old enough to go outside or are at least 6 weeks old.
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QuestionCould I walk my chicken in parks? It is sometimes busy, would it be good?LuminatTop AnswererAs nice as it would be to walk your chicken in the park, it's probably best not to. Your chicken will probably be fine with people, and as long as it stays on the lead and close to you it will probably be fine with wandering cats. But, dogs could pose a real threat to your chickens safety. Scenario One: The dog does not hurt or chase the chicken, but it barks. This will scare your chicken, and if your chicken gets too stressed, it may die. Scenario Two: The dog chases the chicken, but doesn't hurt it. Your chicken will be terrified, and will most likely die of stress. Scenario Three: The dog chases the chicken, and hurts it. Your chicken will most likely be killed, or will die from stress.
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Things You’ll Need
- Sewing machine
- Measuring tape
- Pinning needles (to pin fabric pieces together for sewing)
- Fabric marker (Sharpie is fine, too)
- Heavy-duty or fabric scissors
- Sturdy sewing needles to punch through the canvas fabric
- Fabric for the harness (preferably canvas)
- Velcro strips (to close the harness together)
- A metal D-ring (to clip the leash to the harness)
Tips
- Your chicken will need to get used to wearing their harness. Put the harness on them everyday (just to wear), and take them for walks as much as possible.Thanks
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References
About This Article
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Reader Success Stories
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