Hen cape question

[123jc]

I've noticed a few of the wet flies on show have Hen hackle as the palmer, is it just a normal Indian cape/saddle or is it a genetic cape that's used ?

Thanks Craig

[thedeadskunk]

Usually just a bog standard Indian hen cape, getting the proportions right can be a problem on the larger hook sizes and shank lengths, as you'll end-up with more fluff than feather.
If you get stuck on the above, I'd suggest you improvise and use a lower grade(2-3) Chinese cock cape of the appropriate colour/shade,as the hackles,touch-wood, should be soft enough to give you the "fishing" movement and density the patterns looking for.
PS The downside is: the lower end capes have a few fret marks.

[SharkeyP]

I'm glad this question has been asked as I was wondering how and where to get hen hackles small and long enough to palmer a size 10 Dabbler body. The hen feathers I have are good for only a couple of turns.

Henny cock is the answer?

SharkeyP

[Scratch]

Originally Posted by SharkeyP

I'm glad this question has been asked as I was wondering how and where to get hen hackles small and long enough to palmer a size 10 Dabbler body. The hen feathers I have are good for only a couple of turns.

Henny cock is the answer?

SharkeyP

Nah, cocky hen mate

No, Gentetics are the answer, Paul.... Metz, Whiting etc

[SharkeyP]

Have hen hackles avoided the hairdresser's price bubble that hit genetic cock hackles? Where's a good place to buy genetic hen hackles without having to hide the price from my dear wife?

SharkeyP

[arkle]

Gentic hen capes/saddles are not part of the demand from the hair extension trade & are reasonably easy to find. They are always going to be dearer than wild Indian hen capes, but the difference in cost pays for itself time over. Much more consistent & easier to use. Lakeland, Lathkill, & any number of others stock them.

[dabhoy]

I know lakeland have some very nice dyed grizzle genetic hen at the moment.

[SharkeyP]

Cheers Arkle,
I think I'll invest!

SharkeyP

[123jc]

Thanks for the feedback, I'll have a Google and see what I can find.

Craig

[budgie]

You could check out Geoff Cherrett at Fly tying materials. Carp bait. Geoff had some modestly priced hen capes at the Galway show couple of weeks ago.

Or if you're willing to spend a little more, I would recommend contacting Christine at Chevron Hackles down in Devon.