Humane control

[Bobby The Gardener]

Hi there.
I work on an 50 acre estate as gardener, and one of my duties is to look after the resident free range peacocks. (I know they’re not chickens, but I’m hoping there is some similar advice)

at the moment we have 14 adults, and last month we found 7 peachicks, which we have brought inside and are caring for. So as you can imagine, we have got our hands full, and we don’t want any more.

I have just discovered a nesting female sitting on 3 eggs, which I have removed and candled. They all have pretty big air pockets, but it’s well past mating season, so either these are late or they’re quitters.

so, I’m just writing to ask, if these are indeed fertile, what is the most humane to way to deal with them? Awful subject I know.

 

[Folly's place]

If they cool down to room temperature, the embryos fail. You should be able to see development in the eggs by candling. Just stop the extra heat, and they are done.
'Mother Nature' at work.
That's a lot of peafowl!
Mary

 

[Bobby The Gardener]

That’s great. I reckoned that might be all that it took. Thank you

 

[Henry&Friends]

Just take them away from momma, they can’t develop if they’re cold. Or give some pea chicks to your fellow BYC members, lol.

 

[BaaKaaawk]

"Thinning the herd" so that the herd doesn't eliminate or destroy its resources and/or ranging grounds IS humane. Too many birds and you will have a problem on your hands. You can usually sell peachicks rather easily on craigslist in the US- not sure of your options in Scotland.