Baby Chick Finds Comfort in Feather Duster

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A baby chick found alone near a Des Moines river is receiving care at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa's Second Chance Ranch. To help the young chick feel comforted, the shelter staff placed it under feather dusters in a heated enclosure, mimicking the warmth and softness of a mother hen.

Why it matters

The heartwarming video of the chick snuggling up to the feather duster highlights the compassionate efforts of animal shelters to provide vulnerable rescued animals with the care and nurturing they need, even when a mother figure is not available.

The details

The chick, which was discovered by itself near a reservoir on the Des Moines River, is too young to survive on its own without its mother. The ARL staff set up a heated enclosure with feather dusters to replicate the comfort and protection a mother hen would provide, helping the chick feel safe and cared for as it receives round-the-clock attention at the shelter's Second Chance Ranch facility.

• The chick was found alone near a Des Moines river reservoir.
• The chick is currently receiving care at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa's Second Chance Ranch.