Most of the questions below are what people have sent me in emails. I've answered them to the best of my knowledge and by what I'd do if I had to deal with any of the subjects people have asked about. This in no way means that the answer I've given to any one question is the only way to solve that problem. Please only take what I say has a guide. You should always try to get more than one opinion to any questions or problems you then have to make your own mind up from what information you have gathered as to what would be the best action to take.

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I have never been one for handing blame to others. We all have choices to make and even the right choice may in the long run turn out not to be the best you made. But that's life and the most important thing about getting something wrong is that you make sure you never get it wrong again. If you look after animals and can do that you'll away's be doing the best you can by them.

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Hello martin,
Sorted the peachicks, they were all males and are now happily re-homed.

I have a problem with one of my males, a 6 year old who is in an aviary with a female. He did have 2 females but they didn't seem to like each other so we sold one last year. For a while I've felt t having badly! I've had him for nearly 3 years. The aviary is very large, high enough to fly, high roosts, low roosts, rocks and plants.
There seems to everything he needs. I can't release him as I have another pair living free and the males would fight.

Can't find anything helpful in my peacock books or on the Internet.

Do you have any ideas re-how I might work with him? In the meantime, my husband will be feeding etc.

Thanks,
Judi

Hi Judi
I've had birds act like this many times in the past. More so a problem with Java Greens. Or very tame birds can be like this. Also they seem to go for women more than men, and even more so if you've let him see your in anyway afraid of them. He only started when he had his full train again I guess? It's down to the fact that you've entered his space. This is his and he's not having you coming here and showing off in his area. This is one reason I'm always weary of getting birds to tame if I think I may have to re home them later on. In a way he's lost that inbuilt fear for humans. It's still there really but his drive to hold his patch is stronger at the moment and he is seeing you as a weaker threat that he knows he can drive off. If I get cocks like this I just make sure I'm ready for them when they jump at me and I'll knock them down then walk after them so letting them know that I'm the one who is boss when we are together. They do remember this but every so often they may try it again. It's not his fault for being this way, but if I have cocks to spare I'd put him with my 2 year old cocks and put a fresh cock with the hens. I work off the thought that if you don't like the way a bird looks or acts then don't breed off it.
He will stop being like this once his train falls out but till then boys will be boys!

Hope this is of some help.

Regards
Martin

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Hi Martin

I have read the interesting information on your site, firstly to get better informed about the stray peafowl (it is in fact a peacock) which has taken up residence in urban Bedford for the last six months. He moves from garden to garden and roof to roof in our road, and apart from eating my veggies at the end of last summer, he is now fully into his 'calling for a mate' mode. Unfortunately this starts from about 3am onwards, with many residents unable to sleep as a result.

I seem to have be deputed to find a solution. So far tried RSPB, RSPCA, local environmental health dept at Bedford Council, animal rescue centres (peacocks seem to be of no interest to them - particularly as this peacock is not injured in any way). Have looked for poultry keepers nearby - no success.

Of course the bird would have to be caught first - and we are a rather old population of folk in our road, so climbing onto garages to try and contain peacock in pen etc. would be outside our capabilities I fear! Then of course - even if it was contained - it has to have a new home to go to.

I would be glad for any ideas of where I can seek re homing of this bird. I think it does deserve a proper place to live, with food and shelter appropriate to its needs.

Many thanks,
Joan Knight

Hi Joan
Thank you for contacting me.

I really do understand your problem. I seem to spend more time telling people why they are just not in the right location or situation to have these beautiful birds around their homes. Re homing the birds is only one of your problems. The main one is catching the birds to move them to their new home. No one is going to come and try to catch them by chasing them through your neighbours gardens. To this end the birds are just going to take flight and any chance of ever getting them rounded up will of gone. Your best bet is to feed them somewhere you can then close them in. Given a chose I'd remove any thing that could get broken or that could get marked or damaged then use a garage. I'd even put a perch in so the birds could sit in it after feeding or to go on if it is raining outside. Don't be in a rush to catch them let them all get used to going in to feed. You really do need them all in when you close the door. If some are not they will figure out what is happening and it will be very hard to get them to go back in again. After you have the birds penned in I'd wait till dark and use a torch to see them then through a coat or blanket over it and drop down on it so it can't move. Then take hold of both legs in one hand. You must never pick up a bird unless you have both feet held in your hand first or the bird will injure trying to get away. You'll need a cardboard box to put the bird in to transport it. I don't use a large box. In fact the bird is much safer if it is in a small dark box. Small so it can't move around to stop it from hurting it's self. The dark bit is so it will not get stressed out. I've kept birds like this for 24 hours and they have been fine when released.

I can re home the here at the farm and would keep them for breeding as they would be a new blood line. But I just don't have the time to come and pick the birds up. You are welcome to bring the birds to us. I don't know anyone near to you who wants any birds at the moment, but will let you know if anyone does get in touch with me.

I hope this is of help to you and if you have anything else to ask please do so.

Regards

Martin Caunce