Whiting Capes - COQ DE LEON - Hen Saddle - Unique Variant

Hen Saddles from black to intensely mottled and broader than most hen saddle feathers. Excellent for Larger Wet Flies.

These Saddles are truly lovely and will provide many quality flies for your fishing

The Cape that you see in the pictures is the cape that you will be purchasing, if you would like further pictures please do not hesitate to contact us. Please note that lighting may effect the colour seen on the image

The Coq de Leon is the oldest known chicken strain specifically bred for fly tying feathers> References to these rooster feathers, and the special flies tied with them., are found in Manuscripts going back to as early as 1624. Therefore, the strain could even have been in existence for hundred of years prior to 1624.

Historically the Coq de Leon strain of chicken was cultivated almost exclusively in the Northwest region of Spain. Many beliefs surrounding these roosters attributed the quality of their feathers to climatic, husbandry and even soil characteristics of the region. In addition, even the phase of the moon during which the rooster feathers were plucked purportedly had some bearing on the quality of subsequent feathers. Such folklore may have had some basis in truth, but these beliefs may also have been perpetuated in an attempt to discourage outsiders from endeavouring to produce their own Coq de Leon Faethers.

Since the early 1990's Whiting have genetically bred these birds in the USA. A new genetic tactic of selection for the highest quality first nuptial plumage was initiated. This differed fundamentally from the Spanish methodology that relied on periodic, repeated plucking of the desired feathers from only a few elite roosters. The Whiting approach resulted in a much higher rate of genetic progress, due to the larger number of breeder candidates, and a more rapid turnover of generations, referred to as genetic selection pressure and generational rate. 

The pelts are washed and cured, and then then graded as to the quality and value by out knowledgeable staff, when dyed, the demanding and involved dying process is expertly conducted to assure excellent colour, dye fastness and consistency.