Peacock terrorises 92-year-old farmer's chickens
TL;DR
A peacock terrorized a 92-year-old farmer's chickens in Suffolk, prompting its capture. The bird initially got along with the chickens but later chased them, leading to its temporary relocation to Easton Farm Park.
Key points
- A peacock terrorized chickens on a farm
- The farmer is 92-year-old Tom Walne
- The peacock was relocated to Easton Farm Park
Mentioned in this story
A peacock had to be captured after it terrorised a 92-year-old farmer's chickens.
Tom Walne, or Farmer Tom as he is more affectionately known across Suffolk, said the peacock appeared at his farm near Copdock on Monday.
While initially the bird was getting along with his chickens, things took a turn and the bird decided to cause mayhem and chase after the cockerels.
Farmer Tom's wife, Sandy Walne, asked a friend to appeal on social media to find the peacock's owner and while no-one has come forward, Easton Farm Park near Woodbridge agreed to take the bird for the time being.
Sandy said her husband had phoned her up on Monday, "ever so excited" and revealed they had a new addition at the farm in the form of the peacock.
The bird initially was enjoying time with the chickens, but by the next day he decided he had enough of his friends in the coop.
"On Tuesday morning he was still here and when I let the chickens out he just went loopy," Farmer Tom said.
"He flew at the chickens, eventually he separated the cockerel from the hens and he chased the cockerel."
Farmer Tom believed the peacock was asserting his dominance and despite the bird running riot on his land, he was able to capture it and get it safely in a pen.
"He thinks he rules the roost," Sandy added.
"He chases the cockerel all over everywhere so we've had to shut him up."
A friend of the couple put a message out on Facebook at the start of the week in an attempt to find if anyone owned the bird, but Farmer Tom said there had been no leads.
"Sandy's made lots of phone calls because we were told he was found at the farm over yonder," he continued.
"The outcome of that was yes they did have a peacock there and they do reckon this is the [same] one.
"He turned up there unannounced and they were pleased to get rid of him."
Farmer Tom added: "He's a nice looking bird and it'd be nice to say, 'Well I've got a peacock down there on my land', especially when I come here, sit and watch the chickens, and the wild birds.
"But I can't have him here if he's going to chase my chickens away."
The bird was taken to Easton Farm Park on Thursday after the ordeal caused the bird some stress and if he settles over the next few days it is likely he will stay at the park.
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Q&A
What happened to the peacock that chased the chickens?
The peacock was captured after it terrorized the chickens and was taken to Easton Farm Park.
Who is the farmer involved in the peacock incident?
The farmer is Tom Walne, affectionately known as Farmer Tom, who is 92 years old.
Where is the farm located where the peacock caused trouble?
The farm is located near Copdock in Suffolk.
