Hen saddle feathers are softer and more "webby" than Rooster or Cock feathers.Because hen feathers are softer and absorb water, they are also used for nymph collars on flies like the Prince Nymph. Finally, larger feather barbs can be used for legs on such flies as the Copper John. Saddle feathers are also used in tying Kelly Gallop's articulated feather minnows developed.
Saddles have longer feathers, but a smaller range of sizes than necks. Because they are from the sides of the hen (where the sides of a saddle might cover a horse), feathers cluster around the mid-range. Generally, most feathers will be from size 14 up to size 8.
