Start At The Top

• The head of your chicken is best created using a boa that is the color of your choice, a brimless hat (a pilot's hat is a popular choice--preferably the same color as the feathers on your boa), and felt for the comb.
  
  First create the comb by folding a piece of red felt in half and tracing the shape of comb you'd like. For those who lack the skill or creativity to wing this part, just trace your hand with your fingers spread far apart. Cut out your comb and stitch the top closed. Fill with stuffing, then stitch the bottom onto the top center of your hat. Some are satisfied with stopping here and using their pilot hat and comb for the head of their chicken. If you'd like a fluffy, feathered hat for your costume, stitch a boa around the hat. Make sure you stitch the string up the middle of the boa, not just the feathers, to ensure sturdy work. If stitching isn't your forte, feel free to use a hot glue gun or spray adhesive to attach the boa (this method isn't as durable as stitching).
  
  Adding a beak isn't necessary but can be a fun accent to your costume. For a small child, you can sew a beak to the front edge of the hat using orange felt. Or simply paint one on your nose using yellow paint (be sure to use a kind that is safe for the skin). Another option is to use string to attach a beak cut from yellow foam to tie around your nose.
  
  

Create Your Body

• The base for your body will be a shirt that matches your feathers. A sweatshirt works well, as does a onesie for your child. Using the same method you did on the hat, stitch or glue your boas around your shirt, starting at the back nape of the shirt and keeping the boas close enough together to prevent "bald spots" in your feathers. Continue wrapping and stitching or gluing the feathers onto your shirt as you work toward the bottom. You can leave your arms free from feathers if you like, since it looks just fine that way. Once you've got your feathers all stuck on your shirt, you're ready to wear it. To give your costume a nice, rounded look, you can stuff your shirt with filling (or whatever you have available) to puff out your chest.
  
  

Add the Legs and Feet

• Although you will clearly look like a chicken without adding anything below the waist, creating legs and feet are a fun way to add a little more to your costume. For babies and small children, buy some yellow or orange tights or leggings. Unfortunately, orange and yellow pants are a little more difficult to find in adult sizes, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. You could always spray paint an old pair of pants the color of your choice. Or create the body so the feathers go down to the knees (using a pair of shorts) and purchase yellow or orange soccer socks from your local soccer supply store.
  A simple way to make your feet is using yellow rubber kitchen gloves. These can be stuffed and worn over the shoes, but this can easily be worn through if there's a lot of walking. You can also pieces of yellow felt and cut out large feet, leaving a hole in the back for your ankle to go through.