Need advice on pea's and weather

[sheeptown44]

My peacock and peahen have stayed outside, on the roof of our chicken house all year. However we are having a snow event with low temps, in kentucky. Peahen is sleeping on a metal roof,and peacock is sleeping sleeping on a shingled roof. Should I just leave them alone,or catchem and put them up? thanks just a lttle worried.

 

[6littlechickies]

Well generally peafowl do quite well in adverse weather. As for being on the metal roof, I would be concerned about frostbit toes when the temp drops really low. They crouch down when roosting and cover their toes with their body feathers. This generally keeps the feet warm and why you want a wider roost, so the toes are all covered, not a skinny branch where the curled part of the toe is exposed. The metal is a good conductor of heat AWAY from your birds feet. Make sure they have an adequate roost and an area that gives some sort of minimal shelter from the elements.

If the temps start hitting the teens or low 20's, get them off the metal roof. If they are not familiar with the shelter you have for them, put them in it, feed them there and close them in overnight. After a while they will get the idea and you can leave them be. Good luck

 

[sheeptown44]

T hank you