LynnaePB
Free Ranging
I'm so sorry for your loss.
That's a tough one. It's really hard to find started pullets. I see hatchery like pullets advertised on craigslist in my area every few months or so though.
I think a lot of breeders try to sell as pairs and often don't let a single pullet go. You might be able to get ahold of a local breeder and see if they have any pet quality pullets. Usually chicks with faults obvious at hatch are sold early but there are other issues that can pop up later that make them unsuitable for breeding. Wry tail (scoliosis), chickens with obviously crooked beaks, and some cross beaks can all pop up later and a breeder might let those go as pets without making you take a cockerel. As long as the issues aren't so severe they can generally go about their chicken business they could make good companions and pets. They may also have some that just really don't grow out well enough type wise etc for them to try to sell it as a breeder.
I guess is depends on the breeder though. Some may just put those birds down when they see the problem developing, or if they are lucky they just don't have that popping up in their flock.
I hope someone else will be able to be more helpful, I just don't see pullets available very often and when I do they seem to get snatched up quickly.
Good luck finding your little one a friend!
