That's the history of us and peacocks. Of course, there's a question in the title because there's a question to consider. As great as peacocks are to see, there are many drawbacks to owning a peacock or even two. So would they be pets or pests? Are they good for the garden?
The only way to really know is by comparing and contrasting!
So, here are the pros and cons that we compiled.
Pros
| Cons
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Well, there are actually plenty. Peacocks, like many animals, dislike some particular plants. So after removing sources of food (covering compost bins, hiding animal food such as dog, lifting bird seed fillers if you have any), then it's time to replace some crops for new ones. Or barricade crops of desire with disliked flowers as shown in our Marigold section, which peafowl do hate.
Peafowl like...
| Peafowl dislike...
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If that isn't enough, cutting overhanging tree branches would work too as peafowl love to roost in trees of safety and protection.
Pet or pest? Peacocks can be neither -- all you have to be is a good neighbor and live harmoniously with them, adapting to their presences to enjoy their benefits all the while keeping objects of envy out of the way. Peafowl don't always play foul.