Truro family searches for missing peacock and hen

A family in Truro, N.S. is looking for their pet peacock and hen, who escaped their backyard Sunday. 

"It's their second night out," owner Tayna Fifield said Monday evening. "They've been in this cold of temperature before, but not outdoors in the snow."

The male peacock Enrico, which means "ruler of the estate," and the female hen Calista, which means "adorned," likely are somewhere in the McClures Mills neighbourhood, Fifield said.

A few people spotted them wandering Monday morning but not since noon, she said. 

'There was a lot of snow flying'

The problem began Sunday afternoon around 3 p.m., when Enrico and Calista were in the snow-covered backyard where they roam freely each day until their curfew at 4 p.m.

"They really don't care for the snow and like to keep their feet where it's dry," Fifield said.

Their spaniel mix named Layla was out playing in the yard, too, Fifield said. 

"They're normally fine together, no issues, but she was diving into the snow, so when she came up, there was a lot of snow flying — and the peacock bolted."

Spooked, the peacock flew into a tree. The hen followed. They stayed in the trees overnight. 

Monday morning, the couple hopped to a few more trees — and off the property.

'Rather unusual,' but not a prank

Fifield posted on Facebook about her missing birds, which were gifts for Mother's Day from her son and her daughter-in-law.

She's been going door-to-door telling neighbours, too. 

"Some of them don't really believe you when you first say it, and you assure them it's not a prank," she said.

"Wouldn't you if someone landed at your door and said, 'Hey, I'm missing my peacock'? It's a rather unusual thing to have happen."

Peacocks like dried cranberries, tofu

Monday night was their second evening without food, she said. The birds usually sleep in an enclosed pen with room to fly, plus a section winterised like a barn.

Between the two, they normally eat three to four cups of high-protein feed each day, plus treats of bean sprouts, greens, grapes or dried cranberries. They also love tofu, Fifield said.

"We are quite concerned for their well being," Fifield said. "I would love for somebody to throw some food out for them."

'They have very long, sharp talons'

Only experienced bird handlers should try to catch them, Fifield said. Throwing a blanket over their heads could calm them enough to restrain them — but only if the birds are in a weakened state and the person knows about handling birds, she said. 

"I wouldn't recommend it to anybody if the birds look like they're strong and healthy," she said. "They have very long, sharp talons."

Anyone who sees Fifield's peacocks can call her at 902-897-0318.

"We'd really like to have our peafowl back," she said.