Feather duster "hen"

[RidgeviewChick]

I recently saw a couple pictures of a feather duster being used as an alternate for a "hen" in the chick brooder. I am wondering if anyone has done this and what they used for heat with this set up? Thanks!

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I've used a feather duster, the chicks loved it! My heat source was a regular heat lamp with a 60W bulb.

 

[newchickshelp13]

I have never heard of it...

 

[Intheswamp]

I saw where someone took a small bunch of feathers from a duster and tied them together to make a lone chick a brooder buddy. Seems one of the feathers somehow got wrapped around one of the chick's feet and the foot was swollen pretty badly. All turned out well, though, as there was no permanent damage. Just a little cautionary tale there...

Here's a picture of using an entire duster for a "broody hen" posted by @sharol several years ago...


Ed

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Yes, definitely keep an eye on that! I've never had it happen with a duster, but I've had chicks get strangled in their momma hens feathers before!