Hen Hackle Question

[Ryno17]

Hope everyone is dealing as well as possible under the current conditions.
Looking for some help as far as hen hackles. I usually tie with a soft hackle hen saddle patch available in most fly shops and have good results, or at least good for my skill set ! I’ve seen India Hen Backs availabe too but I’ve never used it. I’m looking for some feedback on it’s uses and how it differs or is the same as a hen saddle patch. I appreciate any feedback. Hang in there. Thanks in advance.

 

[Tigereye]

Both work. Depends on the use. What I look for most is barbule length. I use for the beard on classic style wets, and sometimes for hackle on flymphs and soft hackles. Most of my wets are 14's, a few 16's, and fewer still 12's. I haven't purchased any in a while but it always seemed the India or chinese hens had smaller barbules that fit my needs better. Cheaper too. There also is not alot of consistency in the feathers from the India's/chinese, in color, number of feathers, or quality of feathers. You just needed to pick through the big boxes that used to be in shops. Though I don't see that any more.

YMMV


What is your intended use. Perhaps we can get more specific with help.

 

[poopdeck]

It's the same part of a bird. I think India and Chinese feathers come from birds made for eating. It's called a saddle when it comes from a bird made for its feathers. i think.

 

[Tigereye]

https://youtu.be/Hp2n-CuDKSg


Here is a good video explaining necks albeit rooster necks. It explains differences of saddle spade neck etc. Generally speaking hen necks are webbier and softer.

 

[TYoung]

Here is a good video explaining soft hackle feathers.

 

[nfrechet]

understanding feathers

http://www.eflytyer.com/materials/feathers.html