That is really sad. I hope that you complained to the Feed Store. One of their help may have put them in the wrong bin. The Feed Store I get mine from has people that work from all departments come to get the birds you want to buy and they know nothing at all about what is going on.
So happy you were able to find a good place for yours. It is so hard to give them up. I totally understand that. Sorry you had to experience that. Did you get them from a feed store unsexed? I missed out on that part of the posts.
Your luck sounds like mine. I have a female Mallard that throws out all males except for two females out of over 25 ducklings over the years. I also rehome mine but unfortunately to someone that likes them very well in their belly!!!! No one else would take them and I didn't want to have them...
I was so glad to read where you are ordering sexed chicks from a Hatchery yourself this time. My friend wanted a special breed of chicken so found one online and brought home not only the chicken but lice and mites with it. Now she is battling that constantly with the whole flock. It is wiser...