Looking for some birds

[pafarmer]

So I have a big question/favor but it's worth a shot.
I run a summer camp for people who have developmental disabilities and we have a small petting zoo/animal are as part of our program. We had two peacocks that our campers loved watching because of the bright colors and sounds. Unfortunately last summer the got out of their enclosure due to a series of unfortunate events and we have not seen them since.
So I am looking to for some new birds for our camp, I'm hoping to either have them donated or at a very discounted rate. I'm located in North Eastern Pennsylvania.

 

[KsKingBee]

Put my name on that donation list too!

 

[casportpony]

So I have a big question/favor but it's worth a shot.
I run a summer camp for people who have developmental disabilities and we have a small petting zoo/animal are as part of our program. We had two peacocks that our campers loved watching because of the bright colors and sounds. Unfortunately last summer the got out of their enclosure due to a series of unfortunate events and we have not seen them since.
So I am looking to for some new birds for our camp, I'm hoping to either have them donated or at a very discounted rate. I'm located in North Eastern Pennsylvania.

Welcome to BYC! Are you 501 (c)?

-Kathy

 

[pafarmer]

Yes we are! All donations are tax deductible.

 

[pafarmer]

Anyone in Pa, northern NJ or SE NY?

 

[KsKingBee]

I have a nearly blind peacock, very calm bird and it would never be aggressive as it can't see much besides shadows. It must not pass on the 'blind gene', so if you want it and pay to have it sterilized and shipping you can have it.

 

[Garden Peas]

I have a nearly blind peacock, very calm bird and it would never be aggressive as it can't see much besides shadows. It must not pass on the 'blind gene', so if you want it and pay to have it sterilized and shipping you can have it.

I can transport the bird, which would save the cost of shipping, but we need to figure out the sterilization piece of it. @KsKingBee , can your vet do it somehow? Either caponizing or some other procedure? (I know there are shots for horses that work permanently, at least in mares...)

 

[KsKingBee]

I can transport the bird, which would save the cost of shipping, but we need to figure out the sterilization piece of it. @KsKingBee , can your vet do it somehow? Either caponizing or some other procedure? (I know there are shots for horses that work permanently, at least in mares...)

I have a call in to the vet, waiting for answer.

 

[pafarmer]

If there's a way to get him to us in PA that would be amazing, I try to use as many rescue animals in our petting zoo as possible, especially special needs ones. Is is your call but I can promice you that he would never be bred, I have no females and have no intention on getting any either.

 

[Garden Peas]

We'll do some work on it from this end. @KsKingBee is right about the need to ensure this bird does not reproduce -- the blindness is genetic and he is doing the responsible thing here with an otherwise extremely valuable bird.

While we try to figure this out, could you share with us a little about the peafowl enclosure that you have? Maybe put up a photo or two? How big is it? What kind of shelter is there? How many peas are you thinking of housing?

I hate to ask, but have you been able to sort out what happened before and figure out a way to avoid a repeat?

Also, there are many zoos that free-range some peafowl. Of course, this particular bird could never be free-ranged because it would be too dangerous for him. But I did want to ask if this is something you had ever considered. There are many variables involved in free ranging including density of the neighborhood and predator issues, so one cannot generalize. There are lots of people on this forum who can advise.