loss of head

[tcoco]

after putting my new feather dusters into my tank they lost their tops. Why? Are they just mad that I screwed with them? Do they usually do this? how long before they get their tops back? I know that they are alive because I can see the worm moving in its tube. My Perameters are as follows salinity 1.023 ph 8.3 nitrates 0 nitrites 0 amonina 0.

 

[shnookums]

i have 2 feather dusters that ive had for 6 months. one lost all of its feathers and has grown them back. my other one did the same a couple of weeks ago and has since grown its feathers back. I read somewhere when they want to reproduce they sent out the eggs and then lose theyre feathers so they don't eat them.

 

[slowest is fastest]

Usually feathers drop their heads for two reasons that I know of. One stress and two starvation. In either case they should grow back.
SiF

 

[tcoco]

well thats interesting
Can they still eat with out their tops?
thanks

 

[slowest is fastest]

Most are filter feeders and use their "feathers" to collect food. Yours should begin regrowing its feathers immediately but may not feed until it does. It should be OK until then however.
SiF

 

[nosmada]

i wouldnt say they always frow back. i had a hawaiian (sp?) which hid in his tube for a month or so, then finally came back out only to loose his crown. i watched him for weeks and finally the tube started to decay. he was gone. just keep your eye on him. not saying that it wont grow back but im also saying it may not.
chris

 

[fireeater]

I added my feather duster about a 1 1/2 ago. He lost his feathers the next day.
I have finally noticed today that the new feathers are in the tube.
I just kept a close eye on his tube and it stayed attached to the rock he was on. It never changed appearance, as in decaying.
Some say you can hold the tube and feel the worm moving inside to check on it.
I didn't want to bother him at all, that is why I just watched him closely everyday.