feather duster dead?

[tiggerbengal]

Ok,
I bought 2 feather dusters (the ones with the sand brown tubes) last Thursday. They were both fine in the store. I don't know if the one is dead or not? It hasn't shown it's feathers yet! Is it dead? It's mouth is open & it is nice & plump. The other one is doing fine. So, how do I know if the other one is dead? I don't want to flush it or throw it away if it is still alive.

 

[whipple]

what do you mean its wouth is open? i you feel the tube (lightly) the worm should move if hes alive. and they often shead there feathers of sort so that is no real concern now

 

[fshhub]

leave i alone, often times they will detatch their tops,a nd or move and leave the tubes, they will not hurt your tank if they are dead(unless they are really large), but if you are talking about the common cluster dusters, (maybe 1/4 inch diameter) i would not worry at all

 

[tiggerbengal]

The hole that the feather duster comes out of ... that is still open. Isn't that the mouth?
I haven't seen it move, or atleast not what I've seen.

 

[whipple]

Thats the home, and you need to feel the tube give it a soft squeeze(real soft) if hes alive he should move

 

[tiggerbengal]

I gave it a soft squeeze & it felt like something moved .... SO, I guess it is alive afterall!