How to Catch a Peacock. Mr Flowers needed Help.

Yesterday I noticed that Mr Flowers had a band of nylon string wrapped around one of his feet.

And he only has one good foot.

If left in place the nasty nylon string would continue to tighten and eventually cut off the toe (in this case). By then the animal would be in big trouble.

There are very strict rules about the nylon used to sew feed bags up (even the bags of spilt grain we get from the mill are sewn up). Once it is ripped off the bag, the string must go into the pocket of the person opening the bag and be brought up to the bin.

But there you are. All the plans of mice and men.

We got Mr Flowers into the garage with grain. And closed all the doors. Then I proceeded to herd him to a spot where I could catch him. This has to be done very carefully and very quietly so as not to spook the bird. Creeping low with the smallest of steps, my arms out wide, I crooned and talked the whole time so he knew it was me. And slowly, slowly herded him into a corner that had an over hang of junk.

He kept looking up and around looking for a way to fly up over me. But the unbalanced, badly stacked, disorganised shed stuff made it difficult for him.

(One of the few times that Johns junk is useful).

From observation I knew that when a peacock has his tail up high and is schmoozing his mate he is able to move individual feathers on each side of his tail, turning and waving and rattling just a couple of feathers to herd his mate into a space. So a peacock will naturally respond to these tiny movements.

When I have to calm and herd a peacock you should do this with my fingers. I keep arms were up and high and quite still and direct the bird by wiggling the fingers of one hand or the other. Just that tiny movement will move them. Like directing a horse. Just use tiny ticks on the reins.

While he watches my fingers I am able to shuffle forward. But oh so slowly. Peacocks do this too when they are calming a peahen.

But most of the work is standing stock still and waiting, with your body turned in a certain direction. So still your muscles might begin to shake.

Remember, you have all day. If you hurry you will lose the bird. If he flies up into the rafters you will not catch him again.

By grabbing him you will break the trust you have built, so you only get one chance to be this close.

I crooned and sang the whole time.

My whole body was taut and ready to pounce. Every footfall was deathly quiet yet totally firm and light, ready to spring.

Once I was above Mr Flowers I pounced, laid my hand hard on his back, then swooped my other hand under him to grab his feet. Every movement has to be supremely confident. And flash fast.

In this case he who hesitates is lost.

(It goes without saying that I always wear safety glasses and gloves when I have to catch a big semi wild bird).

Mr Flowers was furious and fought hard. Peacocks are huge and strong. Holding onto his legs takes a strong grip. His wings were smashing against my face. I got a firmer grip.

I quickly adjusted him under my arm like a naughty toddler, tucking his wings in. I swung him around so I did not trip on his tail and carried him to the light.

John was able to quickly cut the offending string off with pointy nail scissors. The whole time John was extricating the string Mr Flowers held quite still and glared at me – his beak an inch from my face with a fierce gaze. His wings were pinned so he was trying to do some kind of peacock mind trick. I kept my face averted and watched him back, out of the corner of my eye.

Eye contact did not seem like a good idea at this point.

Once we were finished John opened up the doors.

I walked to the doors and released him. Pushing off me (with just a little more force that I thought was strictly necessary) Mr Flowers flew out of my arms, shrieking out his danger call.

And that was that.

Now Mr Flowers is not talking to me. I have shown myself to be a predator. Sad.

And in other Farmy News:

Nelson has moved into her new home.

She has her familiar carry cot with her so if we encounter cold nights I can bring her in and out.

I think it will work very well but Boo is very concerned about having ‘his’ rabbit outside again.

Free Bee and Jude’s run is so muddy now. It can stop raining anytime. Luckily they have their lovely trailer that is off the ground and dry – to sleep in. I throw at least two bales of straw into the run every day and by the end of the day it has been sunken into the mud by their piggy stilettos.

(It will be great for growing my pumpkins!)

Hogs live mud but not TOO MUCH mud. Every animal needs to be able to dry their feet when they wants to.

The storm yesterday afternoon passed us by though which, frankly, was a blessing.

Below is last nights sunset out to the West. Red sky at night and I am delighted with todays clear skies.

It is the first day of the rest of my life and today feels like it!

I did not get any gardening done yesterday!

Hopefully today.

Love Celi