HENS are no longer being harassed at a Brentwood-based animal sanctuary after a loveless peacock finally found the partner of his dreams.
Frisky Rio had ruffled more than a few feathers by chasing after the unimpressed Old English hens with whom he shares his aviary at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary in Sawyers Hall Lane.
Indeed, on one occasion the brightly coloured bird even tried it on with a luckless Rhode Island Red cockerel.
Yet now the flamboyant Indian Peafowl has finally found his soulmate, in the form of 18-month-old peahen Chloe – much to the relief of his housemates.
The pair, who dine on corn mixed with oyster shells plus occasional treats of bread, fruit and vegetables, have become inseparable since the young female's arrival from a breeder in Ipswich, Suffolk. According to Hopefield manager David Schlaich, everyone at the sanctuary is delighted. "We didn't think we were going to get her at first because we had tried everywhere so we are really pleased to find her," said Mr Schlaich.
"Everyone is well chuffed to see them together."
He added: "The visitors love seeing them, especially when Rio has got his tail on display."
As well as pestering the hens, Rio, who is now three years old, used to be particularly vocal before the arrival of his mate.
Mr Schlaich said: "He was really noisy before Chloe came here but since she arrived he has been quieter. They are always together and he is happier."
Yet the course of true love between the pair did not always run smooth, as the sanctuary's deputy manager Lianne Angliss explained. "When we first got her and Rio displayed to her she walked off," she said.
"Plus he didn't really know what to do with her so I guess they were both a bit confused but now they are always together, often on top of the chicken coop." Miss Angliss added: "Chloe was really nervous when she first came here but now she's a lot happier"
As well as the four chickens, Rio and Chloe – who has yet to produce any eggs – share their aviary with two ornamental pigeons – but despite their different backgrounds, they all get on famously. With a chuckle, Miss Angliss said: "They all get on well now Rio doesn't pester the hens."
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary has around 300 residents, including 66 horses and ponies, six donkeys and 12 pigs. The safe haven is open to the public from 1 until 4pm, seven days a week.
For more information about the sanctuary, call 01277 201110 or visit www.hopefield.org.uk
