How to Take Care of a Peacock: A Comprehensive Guide

Peafowl, often referred to generically as peacocks, are magnificent birds known for their stunning plumage and distinctive calls. While “peacock” technically refers to the male, “peafowl” encompasses both genders. If you’re considering adding these impressive creatures to your property, understanding their care needs is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about How To Take Care Of A Peacock, ensuring their health and well-being.

Understanding Peafowl Terminology

Before diving into care, let’s clarify some common terms:

Peafowl: The general term for the species, encompassing both males and females. Singular or plural.
Peacock: The male peafowl, known for its elaborate train.
Peahen: The female peafowl, typically less colorful than the male.
Peachick: A young peafowl of either gender.
Train: The long, iridescent feathers that male peacocks display during courtship. These are not tail feathers but elongated upper tail coverts.
Party: A group of peafowl.
Bevy: A family group of peafowl.

General Peafowl Information

Peafowl are captivating creatures with unique characteristics. Here’s some general information to get you started:

Lifespan: Peafowl have a considerable lifespan, averaging around 20 years.
Origins: Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) originate from the Indian subcontinent, while Green peafowl (Pavo muticus) are native to Southeast Asia, preferring warmer climates from Burma to Java.
Vocalization: Be prepared for noise! Peafowl are known to be very vocal, especially during breeding season. Their loud calls can carry for miles.

Identifying Gender in Peafowl

Determining the sex of your peafowl is important, especially if you plan to breed or simply want to know more about your birds.

Adult Peafowl:

Peacocks (Males): Adult males, typically 2 years and older, are easily recognizable by their long, vibrant train of feathers, which they display during courtship.
Peahens (Females): Adult females are generally more subdued in color and lack the elaborate train of the males. They are typically drab in comparison.

Young Peafowl (Peachicks):

Plumage: For most color varieties, peachicks can be sexed around 4-5 weeks of age by observing their plumage. Males will often exhibit barring on their shoulder or saddle feathers (except in blackshoulder varieties) and develop distinctive burnt-orange primary wing feathers.
Exceptions: White peafowl peachicks are an exception, as they tend to have identical plumage until males begin to develop their trains much later.

If you need to determine the sex of a peachick younger than 4 weeks, or if you are unsure based on plumage, DNA sexing is a reliable option. This can be done by a veterinarian at any age. Unlike chickens, vent sexing is not possible with peafowl due to their internal organ placement.

Barred wing pattern on a young peafowl, useful for early gender identification.

Distinctive burnt-orange primary feathers on a young male peacock.

In rare instances, you might encounter a ‘unisex’ peafowl, an anomaly but worth noting.

Understanding Peafowl Vocalizations

Peafowl are not quiet birds. Before getting them, it’s important to familiarize yourself with their sounds:

Male Calling: The iconic, loud call of the peacock, often described as a wail or scream, is used to attract peahens and establish territory. It can be heard over long distances.
- Listen to a Male Peacock Calling
Honking: A common peafowl sound, often used for general communication and alertness.
- Listen to Peafowl Honking
Female Chattering: Peahens make a variety of sounds, including a chattering noise, the purpose of which isn’t fully understood but is part of their communication repertoire.
- Listen to a Peahen Chattering

Peachicks are also quite vocal. They constantly make high-pitched “pi-wheep” noises and scream when distressed. If separated, they emit a loud “WHIIIII WHIIIII WHIIIII” cry. As they mature, their vocalizations deepen, transitioning from pi-wheeps to honking and adult calls. Adult male peacock calls, while beautiful to some, can be startling and may disturb neighbors if they are not prepared for the sound. Informing your neighbors beforehand is advisable.

Peafowl Genetics: Colors and Patterns

Peafowl genetics are fascinating, with a variety of colors and patterns. Understanding the basics can help you appreciate the diversity within the species.

Species and Colors:

There are two main species of peafowl:

Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus): All color mutations, such as Blue, White, Cameo, Charcoal, Purple, Bronze, Peach, Opal, Midnight, Jade, Taupe, and Sonja’s Violeta, originate from this species.
Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus): Green-colored peafowl belong to the muticus species or are hybrids between muticus and Indian Blue peafowl. There are three subspecies of Green peafowl:
- Muticus-Muticus (Java)
- Muticus-Imperator (Indo-Chinese)
- Muticus-Specifier (Burmese)

No color mutations have been observed in pure Green peafowl species; mutations occur within the Indian Blue lineage.

Patterns:

Patterns are variations in how color is distributed, primarily applicable to peafowl descended from the Indian Blue.

Common patterns include:

Barred Wing: Wings have brown/tan and black stripes.
Solid Wing (Black Shoulder – BS): Areas that would be barred on a barred wing bird are a solid color. In an India Blue, this is black/blue/green, but can vary in other colors.
Pied: White patches on the body due to leucism genes.
White Eye: The “eye” spots in the train feathers are white or have white spots. Some birds can carry the white-eye gene without visibly displaying white eyes.
Silver Pied: The body appears mostly white with patches of color.

Spalding Peafowl:

Crossing Indian Blue peafowl with Green peafowl creates ‘spalding’ birds, which are fertile hybrids. The term ’emerald’ was previously used for spaldings with a high percentage (75%+) of Green peafowl blood, but this term is no longer officially recognized due to misuse.

Congo Peafowl:

A third species, the Congo Peafowl (Afropavo congensis), exists but is endangered, not commercially available, and less is known about their care.

For deeper insights into peafowl genetics, you can explore resources like Brad Legg’s Basic Genetics and the Peafowl Varieties Database.

Obtaining Peafowl: Eggs, Chicks, or Adults?

Deciding how to acquire your peafowl is a crucial first step. You have several options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

Hatching Eggs:

Pros: Can be the least expensive way to start, especially for common colors. Offers the unique experience of raising a bird from hatch and potentially imprinting it to you (though this requires significant time commitment).
Cons: Risky due to shipping and incubation challenges. Hatch rates can be unpredictable even with perfect conditions. Requires knowledge of incubation and chick care. Genetic outcomes may be varied if buying “mixed pen” eggs.
Incubation: Peafowl eggs require 28-30 days to hatch, incubated at 99.5°F with 50-60% humidity, increasing to 75% at hatch (around day 25, when lockdown begins). Horizontal incubation with manual turning (3+ times daily, odd number) is recommended.
Availability: Best time to find hatching eggs is March to August, often available on online marketplaces like eBay or Eggbid. Prices vary by breed and seller, ranging from $5 to $25+ per egg.

Peachicks (Young Chicks):

Pros: Less challenging than hatching eggs. Allows for raising a bird from a young age, potentially leading to a friendlier disposition. You can observe the chicks and their environment if purchasing locally. Buying older chicks (3-4 months) reduces mortality risk and allows for gender identification.
Cons: Peachicks are delicate and have a higher mortality rate in the first few months. Require proper brooding setup, warmth, and attentive care. May need worming and medication.
Availability: Chicks are available from breeders, farms, and sometimes online. Visiting the breeder is ideal to assess the conditions and parent birds. Prices vary greatly by location and color, ranging from $5-$40+ for common India Blue chicks under 2 weeks old; average price for common colors is $20-$35.

Adult Peafowl:

Pros: Best option for specific colors or ensuring male/female pairs. Skips the vulnerable chick stage. No need for incubation or brooding equipment.
Cons: Most expensive option, especially for rare colors (pairs can range from $200 to $2000+). Adult birds may be less tame. Shipping can be stressful and expensive, often requiring special arrangements. Hens can be harder to find and more expensive than males.
Availability: Adult birds are typically sourced directly from breeders. Finding specific colors locally can be challenging. Online marketplaces and breeder directories like The UPA’s breeder directory can help locate sellers. Prices for yearling India Blue males can range from $20-$100+, with pied males and rare colors costing significantly more.

Before purchasing any peafowl, consider your ability to properly care for them and meet their needs.

Identification Methods for Peafowl

If you have multiple peafowl, identification is essential for tracking health, breeding, and individual characteristics. Several methods are available:

Wing Bands: Applied through the wing membrane, often with a special tool. Typically numbered for individual identification, available sequentially or custom-made.
Leg Bands (Plastic): Round, numbered plastic bands that are easy to apply, though can be brittle.
Leg Bands (Metal): More durable than plastic leg bands, often requiring an applicator. Numbered for identification.
Spiral Plastic Leg Bands: Thin, spiral bands in various colors. Used in color combinations for identification rather than numbers. Less durable than solid leg bands.
Toe Punching: A less common method involving punching a small hole in the webbing between toes.

NPIP Certification:

While not individual bird identification, NPIP (National Poultry Improvement Plan) certification is important for flock health, certifying freedom from Pullorum and Typhoid diseases. This certification is often required for selling eggs or birds and provides a flock ID number.

You can find identification supplies at retailers like Cutler Supply.

Housing Your Peafowl

Appropriate housing is critical for the safety and well-being of your peafowl at every stage of life.

Housing Peachicks:

Brooder: Peachicks need a brooder with a heat source to maintain a temperature of around 101°F for the first week, decreasing by 5°F each week as they feather out. Observe chicks for signs of chilling (huddling) or overheating (panting).
Bedding: Use clean bedding like pine shavings in the brooder. Avoid slippery surfaces like newspaper or bare plastic/metal, which can cause spraddle leg.
Hygiene: Keep the brooder clean and draft-free. Wire-bottom brooders are sometimes recommended to minimize disease risk from soil contact, but clean indoor brooders with good bedding also work well.
Transition: Around 3 months old, peachicks can be moved to more spacious pens as they are fully feathered and more resilient.

Housing Adolescent Peafowl:

Larger Pens: Once peachicks no longer need supplemental heat, move them to larger pens. These can be smaller versions of adult pens, allowing them to acclimate to perching and outdoor environments.
Acclimation: These pens help young peafowl get used to their surroundings and recognize their “home base,” which can be beneficial if you plan to free-range them later.
Ground Exposure: At 3-4 months, they can have access to ground, but worming is recommended as a precaution after ground introduction.

Housing Adult Peafowl:

Pens vs. Free-Ranging: Adults can be kept in pens or allowed to free-range. Pens are necessary for breeding programs or if you want to strictly control their location.
Shelter: Whether penned or free-ranging, peafowl need access to indoor shelter, especially during winter, to protect them from harsh weather. Heated areas may be necessary in colder climates, particularly for Green peafowl species.
Pen Size and Construction: Pens should be generously sized, no smaller than 10×20 feet with a height of at least 6 feet. A covered top is essential to prevent escape and protect from predators. Chicken wire and wooden frames are common materials.
Perches/Roosts: Provide sturdy perches or roosts, preferably with flat surfaces to prevent frostbite in winter by allowing them to cover their toes while roosting.
Encouraging Return (Free-Ranging): If free-ranging a peacock, keeping a penned peahen can encourage the male to return to the property.

For more housing ideas, Amy’s Peacock Paradise offers additional resources.

Feeding Your Peafowl

Peafowl are omnivores with a varied diet. Proper nutrition is vital for their health and vibrant plumage.

Feeding Peachicks:

Starter Feed: Feed peachicks medicated game bird starter (ideally) or a mix of medicated chick starter and game bird starter. Look for starters containing amprolium for coccidiosis prevention. Protein content should be 20-24%.
Grit: Peachicks on starter feed alone do not need grit. If you offer treats, provide a small amount of cleaned/baked sand as grit to aid digestion.
Treats (in moderation): Acceptable treats for chicks (without grit) include yogurt, cooked egg yolks or whites, and non-instant oatmeal (avoid instant oatmeal due to high salt and sugar).

Feeding Adult Peafowl:

Maintenance Feed: Adult peafowl should be fed game bird maintenance crumbles or pellets. While chicken feed can be used, it lacks sufficient protein; supplement with kitten food or other protein sources if using chicken feed.
Grit: Provide grit if peafowl are penned without access to dirt and small stones.

Treats for Adult Peafowl (Variety is Key):

Offer a wide range of treats to supplement their diet, including:

Fruits: Watermelon, cantaloupe, berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), grapes, tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, etc.
Vegetables: Squash, spinach, lettuce, peas, beans, etc.
Other: Hard-boiled eggs, cooked pasta, rice, bread (moistened), peanuts, raisins, cooked meats (never raw), crickets, wet cat food, corn.

Foods to Avoid:

Raw Meats: Never feed raw or partially cooked meats.
Harmful Insects: Be cautious about insects, as some can be intermediate hosts for parasites (e.g., beetles, grasshoppers, earthworms, slugs, snails, ants, termites, dragonflies, mayflies). Worm your birds regularly to manage parasite risks.

For more detailed information on peafowl nutrition, refer to this BYC Thread about Peafowl Nutrition.

Water for Peafowl

Fresh, clean water should be available to peafowl at all times.

Waterers: Use poultry waterers from feed stores or create DIY versions (e.g., 5-gallon buckets with side holes).
Placement: Elevate waterers off the ground to keep them clean and prevent tipping.
Daily Fresh Water: Change water daily to ensure freshness and hygiene.

Breeding Peafowl

If you intend to breed peafowl, understanding their breeding cycle and requirements is important.

Breeding Season: Breeding season typically runs from March to August, coinciding with the peacock’s train growth and display.
Egg Laying: Peahens may start laying eggs before accepting males for breeding and can continue laying after males drop their trains. Fertility may decrease after train drop, though sperm can remain viable for up to 3-4 weeks post-mating.
Breeding Pens: For controlled breeding, set up breeding pens for specific pairs or trios (one male, several females). Pens should be similar to regular housing with laying areas for hens. Minimum recommended size for a trio is 400 sq ft with a 6.5 ft tall roof.
Perches: Provide high perches to keep the peacock’s train clean and attractive for display.
Male-to-Female Ratio: A mature peacock can breed with up to five peahens, but monitor egg fertility.
Egg Laying Habits: Peahens lay one egg roughly every 2 days, with clutches of 3-12 eggs (typically 4-6). They do not typically use enclosed nesting boxes. Removing eggs encourages continued laying.

Peafowl Breeding Genetics:

Be aware that not all colors and patterns breed true. Some, like India Blue, do (India Blue x India Blue = 100% India Blue, assuming no hidden splits). Others, like Silver Pied, do not (Silver Pied x Silver Pied can produce Silver Pied, White, and Dark Pied). Some colors are sex-linked (e.g., Cameo). Birds can also be “split,” carrying genes for unexpressed colors, which can appear in offspring.

Peafowl Diseases and Medications

Peafowl are susceptible to various diseases. Early detection and treatment are crucial.

For a comprehensive list of peafowl diseases, consult resources like this article on peafowl diseases.

Common Medications:

Tylan 200 (not 50): For respiratory issues.
Ivermectin: Broad-spectrum wormer.
Duramycin: Antibiotic.
Fenbendazole (Safe-Guard for goats): Wormer.
Wazine: Wormer (roundworms only).
Meloxicam (Metacam): Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory/pain relief.
Amoxicillin: Antibiotic.
Baytril: Strong antibiotic.

Many medications require a veterinarian’s prescription. Find a vet familiar with exotic or farm birds, as peafowl are often considered exotic pets. Knowing the specific medication needed can help guide your vet consultation.

Wound Care in Peafowl

Peafowl can sustain injuries from various causes.

Assessment: Evaluate wounds to determine severity. Minor wounds can be treated at home. Severe wounds (uncontrolled bleeding, broken bones) require veterinary attention.
Isolation: Isolate injured birds from healthy ones to reduce stress, allow rest, and prevent wound contamination.
Clean Environment: Keep the injured bird in a clean space to minimize infection risk.

Peafowl History

Peafowl have a rich history in captivity and culture.

History of Peafowl in Captivity: Learn about the history of peafowl domestication.
Peafowl in History: Explore the presence of peafowl throughout history.

Helpful Resources for Peafowl Care

Legg’s Peafowl: Legg’s Peafowl Website – Extensive information and images on peafowl colors and genetics.
United Peafowl Association (UPA): UPA Website – Official peafowl organization with standards, pictures, and information.
Wikipedia – Peafowl: Wikipedia Entry – General information on peafowl species and biology.
Conner Hills Peafowl: Conner Hills Peafowl Website – Valuable information and record-keeping resources.

By understanding these comprehensive care guidelines, you can confidently and successfully care for your peafowl, enjoying their beauty and unique presence for years to come.