Escaped Peachick

[Waterfaery]

One of my 7 month old male peachicks has escaped.

This morning we found a big hole in the aviary and a peachick missing. We couldn't quite figure out what had happened but we thought a fox must have broken in and gotten him because we've seen several foxes around here recently. We were out there doing some repairs and planning some extra fortifications when we heard some honking in the distance. None of our neighbours have peafowl so we knew it must be him. We went looking and spotted him then, foraging around a far part of our land. He seems to be fine and uninjured.

I'm afraid if we go near him he'll move further away. Has anyone any advice about the best way to entice him back? I'm hoping he'll come back on his own to where his two peahen mothers and all of his siblings are. I'm not sure what things I should try to encourage that.

Also, will he survive at that age out on his own in the meantime?

 

[sourland]

Hopefully the calling of the other birds will bring him home. I'd be concerned that whatever made the hole will return and attack your birds.

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

Where are you located?
Yes, it's possible that he could forage on his own and get the food he needs.
Do you ever give treats? When my peacocks see me, they want to come closer to see if I have any treats for them.
He may wander off further, and there's not much you can do about that. However, if you don't want to lose any more, I'd get to securing the rest of your birds now.

 

[KsKingBee]

Do not spook the bird by trying to chase it back. If it is tame enough you might be able to get behind it and walk slowly back to the others. Normally an escapee will return to the flock and will be pacing about the pen wanting back in. As long as it is within hearing distance of the flock they will return. I have had a couple wander off a mile away and be gone for a few days and they returned to food and family.

 

[Waterfaery]

Thanks for the replies.

You were right @KsKingBee. He had a fun day foraging around and adventuring but was then desperate to get back in. We were able to confine the others to part of the aviary and leave the main door open and in he went. What a relief.

After more investigating I'm now certain there wasn't a predator involved at all. It was definitely him breaking out rather than something breaking in. He must have been spooked and flushed. It was my own stupidity to use plastic panels on that part of their area because I thought it would keep them dry and warm but still let them have daylight. That's a lesson anyway. We've patched it up but we'll be replacing it asap.

 

[Dany12]

He will go where there are free-range poultry!