About 18 hours ago, we got four adult Serama chickens from a farm where they were free ranging in the most literal sense of the word. After a rather difficult capture with a net, and an hour and a half car ride home, then being placed in their new surroundings, they were, understandably, frightened. We intend on keeping them as housepets (except, perhaps, for one rooster with a very, um, "clarion" crow), so they are hanging out in their extra large parrot cage (except for the one rooster, who is about to find a new home on craigslist, unless anyone wants him), with lost of perches, and interactive stuff, and food and treats and grit and bedding. The Works! And all they have done for the last 18 hours is jump on a perch, huddled together and try to stay as still as possible. I have seen no sign that they have eaten or drunk anything. Are they just acclimating to their new environment? I put their cage in a quiet room we don't use and shut the door, to keep their environment calm. But so far, they have not budged. Free ranging is too dangerous where we live. Any ideas? Will they just get used to it, and eat and drink when they get hungry? How else can I reduce their stress?
