I have some ?'s

[fowlsessed]

I think I want to get some peafowl, and have a few questions. How old do peafowl have to be before they start to lay? How long does it take before the eggs hatch? Will they return to the coop they were raised in to roosts? And do they breed in pairs, or can one cock take care of more than one hen? thanks

 

[Glenmar]

They are 2 yrs old before they can reproduce. One boy could handle multiple girls. Eggs take 25-28 days to hatch. Some of mine free range and will sleep in the top of my barn in the rafters or in trees.

 

[fowlsessed]

thanks glenmar.

 

[destinduck]

How long do you have to keep them penned up at your place before you can let them out and they still hang around and not get gone?

 

[Glenmar]

Keep them penned for 6-8 weeks. Then, let them out a bit at a time.

 

[destinduck]

How do you let them out for a bit at a time? Isnt it all in or all out and no inbetween? I understand I could just leave the door to the pen open and let them wander out. Or do you hope you can get them back in the pen after 15 minutes or so. I guess you are telling me thats a risk everyone takes after a coupla months.

 

[AugeredIn]

I pen for a minimum of about four months. When I open the pen I let them wander out on their own. If I leave that pen open,they will go back into it for food and water. I have had great luck with the few birds I free range, but it could be the size of the property.

 

[destinduck]

Thanks

 

[Fowler Hencock]

It's important that they have a high roost, preferably covered, in their pen where they will feel safe at night. If they don't feel safe and comfortable there, they will choose to roost in tall trees at night. We let ours free range the first year, but their favorite roost was an old oak tree right over the neighbors roof. After he came complaining about the big peacock poops on his roof, we had to keep them penned.