I had a similar thought to OP, initially. I go through a lot of feathers and use the same methods others have mentioned for gathering them, which can take time. Hmm, chickens. Feathers and meat. Tame chickens get you that plus eggs. More recipes. We already have plenty of low level food so how about making it something along the lines of an ostrich in a later biome. Bigger, badder (beak and claws). Lizard-like armor. Fast. Able to ride if tamed? Chicken noodle soup. Need grain for for the noodles. Through in mushrooms and/or onions and/or...?