Rural Gardening: Stray Peacock found our flock, 1 by picabo

picabo wrote:
We have had pet peacocks for years. Right now only have one "Regis" We have bought several hens for him over the years but they always seem to leave him. The neighbors would be delighted if he left home, they just have No Appreciation for his Vocal talents. LOL.

If your visitor is a mature male he should have long tail feathers even though they are chewed up right now they will probably grow back this summer at least next fall. In the late Summer all of the tail feathers will fall out anyway and he will grow a new tail before next spring. Regis is already sporting his hew "Spring Tail".

He will also start the famous Peacock Scream at any time. Mine will scream when he hears any loud sound. The screaming will continue until late Summer when all of the tail feathers fall out. The tail feathers and the scream are part of the mating cycle. New neighbors always ask what lives on top of my hill before they get a chance to meet him. LOL

"Regis" doesn't like to be touched or petted, but he is always lurking about. When we eat out on the deck he is always at the table begging for a hand out, the grandchildren are delighted to take care of handouts.

I have seen our Peacocks display for passing flocks of wild turkeys, cats, dogs, chickens and even rose bushes in bloom. They LOVE to have a mirror to look in. (A clean car or window will work too. LOL)

Regis has slept in the same tree, on the same branch, facing the same direction for all of his life with us. At the same time every evening he will fly to the roof of the house fly to a certain limb in a near by tree, turn around and fly to a certain limb in his Sleeping tree. Then jump from limb to limb until he is in position.

They make great pets and I would miss having one around. Hope this has answered some of your questions.

Here is a picture of "Regis" having lunch on the deck.

Betty