An unusual foster family

   Late one evening, our peahen was disturbed from her nest. Ana investigated just in time to see the furry intruder scampering away.  Still intact, she collected the peacock eggs and because their biological mom would no longer sit on them, she placed the eggs under Rosette, our white muskovy duck, who wanted nothing more in the world than to raise a family. She sat on the eggs until they hatched four peacock chicks.  The rest, as they say, is in the pictures below.

While both moms watch, the babies learn how to properly drink from the water dish, take a much needed baby nap, and practice displaying their tails.  Never too young to exercise those strong tail muscles !

   Under the always watchful eyes of their foster parents, Rosette, Chickie and Roostie, their foster dad, the peacock chicks, now several weeks older, explore the world outside their baby pen. So many things we could learn from these birds about cooperation, and caring for those different from ourselves . . . about love . . .

  Still growing up, the babies explore more of the world around them. Notice how the 3 foster parents always position themselves in a protective circle around the babies. The peacocks, including their biological mom, are very curious about this unusual family.

The tale (tail?) of the peacock and the guinea

  One day, an orphaned guinea came to live with us. One look around and he chose one peacock as his dearest friend. Since then, whether or not he wants to, that peacock has a faithful companion who follows him . . .

Meanwhile, over in the pond . . .

  The ducks, however, know the secret of cool.  While the peacock and the guinea are sorting out their friendship, the ducks simply take to the water and cool off !!