Mean peacock on animal rescue farm

[Billandfarm]

This is the result of someone imprinting a peacock as a very young chick, it does not always happen but some males turn out this way. The problem is that he has no fear of humans and is protecting his breeding area. His area could be a small amount of room or perhaps it extends as far as he can see, it varies from bird to bird. A normal cock will stake out his area and run off any other cocks and run from humans but again, this one is not afraid of you and will challenge you.

He will be as good as gold when the season is over and love to be hand-fed treats but when the hormones start to flow he will be an ass until he loses his train falls out. Peafowl have long memories and if you get defensive or do anything aggressive he will only get worse. I was gifted a cock like him and I tried timeouts with him setting in my lap and several other things that only made it worse. Ron is now stuffed and being enjoyed upon someone's mantle.

What I didn't know when I had Ron is that I was allowing him to dominate me when he would set in my lap during his 'timeouts'. Now, what I have done with some success is to catch and straddle such a bird as if I was breeding him. This changes up the dominance making me the top dog. Any staring down or other act of aggression on your part will only make him worse, you can thank the caretakers before you for his behavior.

If you cannot deal with him or are afraid he will attack and hurt a patron here is a link where you can dispose of him. taxidermy.net

In the meantime keep the feed bucket between you and him and carry a trashcan lid. If possible stay out of his breeding area or make a 20 x 20 covered pen for him and a mate or two.View attachment 3032726

 

[Billandfarm]

Thank you for all of the helpful information. He is one of about 7-8 peacocks. I have only known/been around dogs and cats until 11/24/2021. In 2.5mos, I have learned a decent amount the emu, alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, roosters. I left for a month and I am going back Wed/Thur. I love the animals! But, I have no personal ties with the most dangerous animal on the property. Tomorrow, I will be discussing with the owner whether or not free rent for feeding animals is worth it? Again, thank you and everyone for your helpful responses.

 

[KsKingBee]

You are welcome. Go back to the main Peafowl page and at the top of the list is a 'Stickies' index. There, you will find lots of basic information about care and housing, medicating, feeding, and genetics. There is a lot to caring for peafowl.

 

[ColtHandorf]

Ron is now stuffed and being enjoyed upon someone's mantle.

Must be a big mantle. lol

 

[Billandfarm]

This site is the best! Thanks so much for all the replies. Just got back to farm after a month. Much louder than I remember. Definitely, as amazing. Oddly enough, the only mean peacock is chasing around "Chubby" the rooster. Not attacking just continually in Chubbies grill, lol. Chubby is running around all bowlegeet. Thankfully, that has stopped. But, that's better than that psychotic peacock chasing me. Haven't started the feeding yet. Meeting with owner tomorrow to go over the details. I would like to think there might be a day without attack. But, I don't think so. Should I get a big umbrella and freak it out? Lol, that's a joke, kind of.

 

[aart]

I would like to think there might be a day without attack. But, I don't think so. Should I get a big umbrella and freak it out?

How is your predecessor dealing with this 'attack peacock'?

 

[KsKingBee]

This site is the best! Thanks so much for all the replies. Just got back to farm after a month. Much louder than I remember. Definitely, as amazing. Oddly enough, the only mean peacock is chasing around "Chubby" the rooster. Not attacking just continually in Chubbies grill, lol. Chubby is running around all bowlegeet. Thankfully, that has stopped. But, that's better than that psychotic peacock chasing me. Haven't started the feeding yet. Meeting with owner tomorrow to go over the details. I would like to think there might be a day without attack. But, I don't think so. Should I get a big umbrella and freak it out? Lol, that's a joke, kind of.

No. Aggression is met with aggression.

 

[Billandfarm]

Probably not.

Thanks again for your help. I have chosen a hose with a spray nozzle. I don't believe he can get any more protective/violent over his area. Which of course is the feeding shipping container for all the animals and the separate area with 4 alpacas fenced in. And, I can see he doesn't like it because he moves away. But, it clearly doesn't hurt him of course. So, that has worked well the last 2 days. I wanted to give you an update because you were kind enough to respond. And this donkey is requesting a dental plan???

 

[DukesDucks]

I haven't had this problem with the peacocks but definitely do with one of my Muscovy drakes spring to fall as hormones are running high. First year made the mistake of running from him. Got some good advice. Now I carry a broom that I can use to prevent him from approaching me. An effective passive approach rather than escalating by him seeing me as a threat or challenge. For the same reason, I do not make eye contact with him. Now we have worked out a way to be around each other. He is blocked from approaching me yet is still able to believe he is top duck in his females eyes.