Mean Chick???

[jokerjones]

I have a young, small flock of three chickens that i started this spring. They are 8 weeks old. Last weekend I took one of the chicks and exchanged him for a Black Austrlorp. (the chicken I exchanged was a rooster and I cant have any). I was told the new chick was also 8 weeks, but i would guess more like 7weeks because it is a little smaller. The integration went okay and the new chicken has been accepted. She is at the bottom of the pecking order which is to be expected. The problem that I am having is that when I am out in the backyard with the chickens the new Australorp begins crying and wont stop. When I let them out to free range the new chick charges me and bites me. She will then follow me around the yard crying totaling ignoring the other chickens. She cannot be comforted. She wants me to hold her, and i do, but she wont stop crying. She wont take treats like meal worms. However, If I go inside she will stop crying and join the other chickens. I tried sitting in the grass with her yesterday before bed and she kept flying on my shoulder and biting my ear, then she would lay in my lap....crying the whole time!
Would anybody be willing to guess what is going on? I know this sounds crazy , but if feels like she is mad at me..... Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[teach1rusl]

I haven't a clue about what you're describing. It sounds like the oddest thing, and I feel badly for the chick. Obviously she's stressed and feels more comfortable when you're around, but I don't know how to "fix" it. Not only is she a newbie, but she's odd man out, which is why it's never recommended to add single birds, but to add them in pairs or more, so they have a buddy. Are you limited to three? Is there any way to get a hatchmate from where she came from???

 

[jokerjones]

All is well!! We i got home from work yesterday and let the chickens out it was as if she (new Austrlop) had been with them all the time. I got a brief hello and that was it. I am very relived. I will never try and introduce one chick only to an existing flock ever again. The "chicken man" convinced me it would be "no problem" with bird the ages of mine (8 weeks) He was wrong. Thanks for your concern