Can Peahens and Chickens live together?

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

I have 7 hens (chickens), all very docile and sweet, and I love them, but I want to add something new to the flock. I did a bit of research and I discovered that peahens can co-exist in the same run/coop and chickens as long as there are no peacocks or roosters in the mix. Has anyone done this? I know peahens need more protein (like 20-22% and no calcium) in their feed, but other then that can they eat the same thing? I was thinking about getting an Indian Blue Peafowl as they are docile, quiet, and fairly flightless, especially if you clip their wings. I know nothing about peahens, so any bit of info regarding them is appreciated! Can a chicken raise peachicks along with her chicks? Also I would LOVE to see pictures of your peacocks/hens!

The living space I have for the birds: they will often be able to free range on our 1/2 acre back-yard, but their main run is 301.438 total sq ft. The coop is raised, and it is about 5ft by 5ft, roughly. And I can also make a small little coop/shelter for the peahens inside the run if that is required.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

I have no experience raising peafowl, but I'll still share. I knew someone who had a lonely peahen and they kept her with their chickens. The cockerels were usually what stayed with her, and while she was obviously the top of the pecking order, they got along fine. In free range situations, I've seen others keep their peafowl together as well, though I didn't get a closer look on their setups.

You only having a half acre is more concerning to me. These birds need space, and most birds get along better when they have enough space to get away from each other. Also, peafowl can get loud. If roosters are an issue in your neighborhood, then peafowl will definitely be. (You might need to look up your local and State ordinances on keeping them as well.)

For your space and setup, I'm actually going to advise against getting any. If you had space to keep them in a separate space\coop and plenty of space for them to move around, then maybe they'd be fine, but in this case, I'd be worried not. Maybe there's people on here who have owned peafowl that will disagree on my thoughts, but this is what I'm thinking.

 

[ChickenShepherd_6116]

You only having a half acre is more concerning to me. These birds need space, and most birds get along better when they have enough space to get away from each other. Also, peafowl can get loud. If roosters are an issue in your neighborhood, then peafowl will definitely be.

It is a pretty large yard... They need more than that? There would definitely be plenty of space for them to spread out. Are Peahens also loud? I heard it was only the peacocks that were loud, but I know very little on these birds.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

It is a pretty large yard... They need more than that? There would definitely be plenty of space for them to spread out. Are Peahens also loud? I heard it was only the peacocks that were loud, but I know very little on these birds.

I know little on them myself, but I would think they'd need more space. Even with chickens themselves and keeping them on an acre lot I've seen it not be enough for them once they're free ranging. As far as loudness, again I'm not sure. I assumed it was both genders that are loud.
I think before diving into them, I think you should do a lot of research on them so you know what you're getting into and are prepared on everything. These birds aren't going to be like chickens, and after having raised several different types of poultry, I know that not all are going to be easy and each will have their own sets of challenges.

 

[Finchbreeder]

Never seen peafowl with chickens.
But the peafowl I have seen had a coop for sleeping that was 2mtrs x 2mtrs x 2mtrs while freeranging a couple of acres, or were freeranging across 5/10 acres and roosting 10ft or more above the ground in trees and on balconies.

 

[KsKingBee]

They can live together and they don't really bother each other but you will need to keep up with your regular deworming. I suggest that you read all of the stickies in the index at the top of the peafowl forum page.

 

[Artistickatt]

Do lots of research on this forum. everything I’ve read has indicated that it is difficult sometimes to raise peafowl around chickens due to cocci which chickens can carry harmlessly, but is the number one killer of peafowl. I have a friend who lost half of her chicks this year to it (and she’s had them for 30 years. But this year she kept them with her chickens).

Penned they need at least 100sq feet per bird and you’re going to have to keep them penned for a while before you free rearrange them. If you’re getting chicks, you’re not gonna know the sex of most of them that are not sex linked color/pattern.

On a small property, my concern would be your neighbors. And if you’re free ranging, the need to fly up into the trees for safety and to roost at night. I would not suggest clipping their wings.

Read the pinned post at the top of this for him to start. Once you have done that, if you have questions, a lot of people can answer them better.