A few months back, I bought 4 RIR pullets. The woman I bought them from said that they were guarenteed to be female. I understand that that can not always be told for 100% sure by vent sexing, so I wasn't angry when one of mine turned out to be a rooster. That said, I couldn't keep a roo in our neighborhood because we aren't supposed to have anything along these lines in our uptight neighborhood. This was our first experience in chickens.
Anyway, I called the seller and told her we had a roo. She said that she would happily exchange it for a hen that was from the same hatch date and breed and that we should have no problems. I told her that I had read that it wasn't a good idea to introduce just one new bird to a flock and would feel better if we could buy an extra one (bringing our flock to 5 and introducing 2 new birds). She said that she didn't have any more birds I could buy. Said her others were promised to another buyer. But she was confident that since the birds were originally all together and that this one was the same age, after about 24 hours, everyone would be getting along.
I decided I didn't have too many other good options and since she seemed confident and knowledgeable I would trust her. The bird I brought home is smaller than the others I have. All of the ones she still had were smaller. I suspect that is because mine free-range but hers were stuck in a tractor. It's been 48 hours and my original 3 are still pecking at my new girl. They're making sure she understands that she is NOT accepted. It's really sad to watch!
So... now... what to do? I do know of another breeder that I could get another female from. I don't know if she would be the same breed or age. I was thinking that even if she wasn't exactly the same size or age, maybe 2 new girls in the house might be better than one up against the old 3? Maybe they would form their own "new girls' club"? Or would they just pick on one of them still? Would it still be bad because they are not from the same flock (the two new ones)? Or would it be better for all involved? Or should I give them more time? Will they accept the new hen in another day or so? I just don't want her to keep suffering through their mean little games unnecessarily. What would you suggest?
Anyway, I called the seller and told her we had a roo. She said that she would happily exchange it for a hen that was from the same hatch date and breed and that we should have no problems. I told her that I had read that it wasn't a good idea to introduce just one new bird to a flock and would feel better if we could buy an extra one (bringing our flock to 5 and introducing 2 new birds). She said that she didn't have any more birds I could buy. Said her others were promised to another buyer. But she was confident that since the birds were originally all together and that this one was the same age, after about 24 hours, everyone would be getting along.
I decided I didn't have too many other good options and since she seemed confident and knowledgeable I would trust her. The bird I brought home is smaller than the others I have. All of the ones she still had were smaller. I suspect that is because mine free-range but hers were stuck in a tractor. It's been 48 hours and my original 3 are still pecking at my new girl. They're making sure she understands that she is NOT accepted. It's really sad to watch!
So... now... what to do? I do know of another breeder that I could get another female from. I don't know if she would be the same breed or age. I was thinking that even if she wasn't exactly the same size or age, maybe 2 new girls in the house might be better than one up against the old 3? Maybe they would form their own "new girls' club"? Or would they just pick on one of them still? Would it still be bad because they are not from the same flock (the two new ones)? Or would it be better for all involved? Or should I give them more time? Will they accept the new hen in another day or so? I just don't want her to keep suffering through their mean little games unnecessarily. What would you suggest?
