Bought 2 pullets. They are scared! How do I help with stress?

[dbounds10]

So I purchased two 18 week old pullets from the feed store today. They are in quarantine in a cage in my shop and have not moved an inch since it put them in there about 4 hrs ago. It’s like when a hawk flys over and everyone freezes lol. They have food and water that I attempted to show them but they haven’t touched it and are scared. I have never done the started Pullet thing so this is new territory for me. I know they need to eat and drink. Do I just stay away from them for the day?

 

[My Three Chicks]

Could you try putting them in a more private corner instead of out in the open? Or put a blanket over their crate (make sure they are still getting air and good ventilatiom). They are probably scared and over stimulated in the new environment. A little privacy and quiet may help.

 

[AGeese]

Looks like pretty big bright surroundings for them. Is there a lot of coming and going around them?

 

[dbounds10]

Looks like pretty big bright surroundings for them. Is there a lot of coming and going around them?

They are in my 30x40 shop and no one but me is going out there at all. It’s just me and my husband that live here. They are in there because it’s going to be in the 20’s at night and I don’t have another coop far enough from my current flock to properly quarantine.

 

[Bawkbok]

Cover the crate with a towel or blanket on top and a side or two. Make it darker, but still let them see. Ensure they eat and drink. You may have to encourage them by holding their beak to the water bowl. Put electrolytes in it to give them a boost from the stress of change and a new environment. Possibly wet some feed to make it like a paste and add a scrambled egg. See if they'll eat that. Leave food and water in there with them at all times.
Spend time with them, just have a presence. Talk to them so they get familiar with your voice. You need time to observe them anyway. We do started pullets vs. baby chicks and this method has worked for us.