HELP! My chickens are upset over the loss of their brother roosters:(

[kmakani]

We gave our roosters away yesterday (1 RIR , 1 Easter Egger). We also got rid of a wild rooster that showed up here a month ago and a silkie bantam punk rooster that was so mean, he had to be isolated most of the time anyway. The numbers were 4 roosters, 8 hens (including 2 wild hens). Today, my older girls (3 of them) that were raised with the roosters, just don't know what to do with themselves. One keeps on making these strange sounds over and over, as if she's calling out to them. They aren't going for their usual walks to the property, just staying near the house. They are just wandering and looking around, not really eating much. So sad! How long will this last? We don't really want any more babies around, and the roosters were really pecking at some of the girls. Should we have kept one? I feel SO bad now....

 

[phalenbeck]

It likely has to do with change, and loosing the pecking order leader. Mine stop producing and scold me all day when there is a change of any kind then they are fine. Right now they are really mad about changes in the weather.

 

[kmakani]

My oldest one (6 months) is making those sounds non-stop. I feel so bad! They haven't started to lay eggs yet and hope this doesn't mess that up. She sounds like she's in pain making those sounds!

 

[Judy]

They are feeling lost without their leader. Most likely one will step up and become the new leader, then all will be well.

 

[cmom]

Their pecking order is changed. They will readjust. Mine seemed a little lost for a few days now it's like they were never here. I have one hen in particular that has taken the lead.

 

[cmom]

Oops...

 

[kmakani]

Is this a good time to introduce new chicks?