What to do with a single pullet when new chicks won't be ready until August/September

[stegogirl]

I bought six straight-run chicks early last month after losing my hens to a dog.

Five of them are looking like roos.

I can't legally have roosters where I live even though I hear roosters all day. Someone reported the one I had a couple of years ago.

I just ordered some pullets that won't even be hatched until mid-June, so the question is, what do I do with my single pullet until the chicks are big enough to go outside? Should I rehome her with the roos so she won't be lonely? If I do keep her, and all of the pullets I ordered do turn out to actually be pullets, I will still be within legal limits for my city.

I just want what's best for her.

 

[HEChicken]

If you are able to rehome the roos, chances are they will end up in the stewpot so sending her with them may not be the best option. Aren't stores still selling chicks now? Perhaps you could get her a companion from the pullet bin (or choose a sex-link so you are guaranteed getting a pullet) to grow up with now so she won't be lonely. Or, if the feed stores no longer have chicks in your area, you may be able to find some on Craigslist or by placing your own ad.

 

[Mrs. K]

5 months is a long time for a chicken to be alone. I would be interested in at least getting one or two more hens before you get rid of the roosters. Then pull the roosters and add the hens. Chickens hate change, so get it over at once.

Ask at your county extension office for poultry clubs, or even at your feed store for names of people that have chickens. Best would be to get point of lay birds, but really an older bird, will often still give good eggs for another year.

I would not worry overly about quarantine with just risking one bird, but I would check any bird I got for parasites.

Mrs K