Save Peacocks Abandoned by Hoarders

“Peacocks were walking around in the road,” a neighbor said, “I was afraid that the elderly couple who lived there had died.” Turns out that they moved to a nursing home, and their son said he’d feed them, but he did not. The neighbor contacted the county for help and learned that if the peafowl (peacocks and peahens) remained on the property, they would destroy the birds because of the number and their living conditions. Did you know that the average life expectancy of peafowl is 35 years? These gorgeous abandoned birds deserve to be healthy and live their lives in a safe environment. I discussed a plan with the compassionate neighbor who then received permission from the couple. As a peafowl and poultry owner, I offered to capture, quarantine, and eventually rehome them. I am honored to take charge of this rescue, but I need help with expenses while they are in my care.


Hoarding
The property spans several acres and is overgrown with foliage. The property is scattered with their old belongings and trash. The couple were hoarders of not only peafowl, but also possessions, which were ruined from building leaks and exposure. Navigating through a hazardous maze of debris and overgrown foliage make rescue efforts challenging.

The First Rescue
For several years, I’ve belonged to an invaluable online group, backyardchickens.com Indiana Thread. Many members volunteered the use of their large dog kennels for quarantining. I assembled a team of volunteers to help rescue as many peafowl as possible on Sunday, October 11, 2015. Over several hours, we were able to coax some of the peafowl with offers of food. Thirteen peafowl were rescued, but around 20 remain. The neighbor is feeding them until our second rescue, which is planned for next week.

Quarantine
I relocated the rescued peafowl to a relative’s empty barn and property that has never housed birds. It’s very important that birds undergo at least a month of quarantine to avoid spreading diseases. After a few days, the peafowl became acclimated to their new environment. Then I began carefully examining one peafowl a day. I have found external parasites, lice, and poultry ticks, which I’ve treated with Ivomec eprinex. Fecal tests are done to determine if worming is needed. I also check for leg mites, any toenail issues, swollen joints, and swollen face. So far, so good!
Expenses after the first rescue:

Food $100 per month per bird $1,300
Medical $50 per bird 650
Medical Emergency Fund 500
Nets for capture 200
Straw bedding 28
Water 35
Predator proof fencing 30
Gasoline for transporting 100
End of this Project ~ Rehoming
After the peafowl have been quarantined for at least one month, each bird will be re-evaluated before they are offered for adoption to approved homes. I plan to charge a $50 rehoming fee to ensure serious buyers. Rehoming fees will be used for advertising, property reclamation—cleaning up the peacock farm site, and general peafowl-related expenses.