How can I discourage my peacock from attacking us?

[Cheeptrix]

Or at least, how can we best defend ourselves? We have a 4 year old black shoulder Spaulding that has just started being very aggressive with us. A little background...We had 2 males that were good buddies for 3 years. They were always very passive and even timid when we were in the pen. They have always lived in an aviary. In January, one of the males escaped, and we never saw him again. We decided to get our remaining male a girlfriend. She has just turned 1 year old, and has not layed any eggs. They have become very close, and I'm sure his actions are just being protective of her, but just recently, when we go in the pen to do general maintenance, he will sometimes, without any warning, fly up at me or my husband and hit us with his feet. So far, no injuries. Is there a technique for teaching him not to jump on us, or is there some way to ward him off so he doesn't hurt one of us.

 

[zazouse]

When you see him comming up on you catch him by his legs and hold him upside down for a minute or two.

Was or is he a pet?

Please post potos of your pretties if you can. we love pea pics

 

[casportpony]

A quick spray from the hose keeps my alpha boy away from me.

-Kathy

 

[Cheeptrix]

Thanks, I'm heading down to the coop now. I'm going to take a spray bottle and see if that helps.

 

[Cheeptrix]

I don't think I'm quick or brave enough to try the strategy of grabbing by the legs. I guess you could say they are pets. We don't intend to breed them, but have them for the enjoyment of seeing them and hearing their calls. We have never been able to hand feed them, they have always been very standoffish, but not threatening until the last couple of weeks.

 

[zazouse]

I foget not all folks can catch stuff by their feet, i been doing it for years, when a Guinea hen has keets i wait for her to fly up at me and grab their legs then i collect the keets same thing with ducks and chickens.

 

[new 2 pfowl]

I have to jump in here and suggest that you don't try to catch him by the legs unless you know what you are doing.
We believe that this is how Peggy's leg got broken.
If you catch them and only have a good grip on one leg, they can twist away and injure themselves.

 

[casportpony]

I have to jump in here and suggest that you don't try to catch him by the legs unless you know what you are doing.
We believe that this is how Peggy's leg got broken.
If you catch them and only have a good grip on one leg, they can twist away and injure themselves.

X2! I also think there is a very important vein in that area that's attached to the liver and a leg grab the wrong way could cause a fatal bleed, but don't quote me on that!

-Kathy

 

[MinxFox]

I don't know if water will work or not...When my adult peacock chases a younger peacock to assert his dominance and put the younger male in his place, I have tried to see if I can stop it by turning on the hose and spraying the adult peacock. It NEVER works. They just keep on running like nothing happened. I would get a broom and use it to defend yourself and swat away the peacock. It does sound like he is just protecting his girl and chances are when the breeding season is over he will stop being aggressive to you. Also maybe wear some eye protection when you go into the pen because it would be bad if his nail got into your eye. Maybe wear gloves and if he flies at you don't grab him but push him away or something. Spaldings are said to be more likely to be aggressive then India blues and their varieties. I hope you all stay safe!

 

[casportpony]

I don't know if water will work or not...When my adult peacock chases a younger peacock to assert his dominance and put the younger male in his place, I have tried to see if I can stop it by turning on the hose and spraying the adult peacock. It NEVER works. They just keep on running like nothing happened. I would get a broom and use it to defend yourself and swat away the peacock. It does sound like he is just protecting his girl and chances are when the breeding season is over he will stop being aggressive to you. Also maybe wear some eye protection when you go into the pen because it would be bad if his nail got into your eye. Maybe wear gloves and if he flies at you don't grab him but push him away or something. Spaldings are said to be more likely to be aggressive then India blues and their varieties. I hope you all stay safe!

Good advice.

-Kathy