A randy peacock has been locked up after he went mad and trashed a BMW.
Toby the peacock picked a fight with his own reflection in the shiny Beamer, causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.
Toby the peacock picked a fight with his own reflection (Image: Ferrers Centre)
He was caught at the Ferrers Centre in Staunton Harold, near the border between Leicestershire and Derbyshire.
Owner John Blunt, who runs the arts and crafts centre, has since bought the peacock a girlfriend in a bid to improve his mood.
He said: “A black car was badly scratched by him and he was seen doing it. He was pecking at his reflection, pecking the black paintwork of the car.
The aggressive bird is known for his hatred of shiny things (Image: Ferrers Centre)
“I think it’s quite common if they see their reflection but it’s a first time for us. Being my peacock on my land it was my responsibility, so I’m faced with a bill for the damage.”
John has now covered the bird’s cage with netting to stop him attacking any more vehicles. He’s also moved in the new peahen – but says she’s “playing hard to get” so far.
He added: “I’d ideally like to let him out again because he’s become an enormous attraction.
“We’re hoping that they’ll get together and lay some eggs. Who knows – we might have some little baby peacocks.”
Visitors claim to have seen the bird lashing out at a “large, dressing table-sized mirror” in his cage.
One wrote on social media: “I assume it’s there to test Toby’s ongoing patience with reflective things.”
A sign on display at the Staunton Harold Estate reads: “Toby the peacock is back in his pen. He scratched up a car in frustration.