How to Care for Peacocks

Although a beautiful and exotic animal, the peacock is a relatively simple bird to care for. Native to India and parts of Southeast Asia, its needs are similar to that of a pheasant. With proper care, your peafowl can live as long as 40 or 50 years.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Visit a feed store for commercial blends of bird food designed meet all nutritional requirements. These birds are not picky and eat shelled corn, oats, mealworms, dog food, sunflower seeds, insects and more. However, many of these foods do not offer all the nutrition your peafowl needs.
2. Give your peafowl live food. It increases the bird's protein levels during the breeding season. In winter, more corn helps keep the bird warm. They should also eat greens. Your feed store can help you choose the right protein levels for younger peafowl.
3. Provide ample housing for your peafowl. Peacocks require enough room to comfortably show their plumage during the breeding season. An area 6 feet tall and at least 8 feet square is recommended. You need a bigger pen for more birds.
4. Provide a flat area for roosting. Some peafowl breeders have experienced frostbite in their birds due to round roosts. A simple 2-by-4 provides a safe roost. Construct the roost at least 4 feet off the ground.
5. Cover your pen. Peacocks and peahens are great fliers. They can fly out of a pen easily despite their akward-looking shape. Use wire mesh or netting to keep your birds on the ground.
6. Worm your peafowl at least twice a year. Parasites can carry disease. Regular worming is a way to avoid illness. Consult a vet on the process because birds can overdose on some worming medications.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't let food drop onto the floor of the pen. Peafowls may eat whatever is laying on the ground, causing health problems.
• Change the feeder equipment gradually because peacocks can become confused and stop eating.