New babies

[DucksQuackMeUp]

This is Fiona. There is also King David, Krishna, and Padame.Of course Fiona could be Phoenix and David could be Danielle...These little birds follow me around the house when I take them out of the tub for exercise and socialization. I need to do something soon as Im one week they are outgrowing the space. May have to extend a shed that was previously used by goats and add some wire. Cutest little things!!

 

[GodLovesU]

Peafowl are gorgeous! I wish I had somewhere to keep them.

 

[Artistickatt]

New to babies this year too. Congrats! I can say that it is not advisable to have them on dirt until they are 4 months old. Their immune systems are not mature. There is a sticky that helped me out a BUNCH at the top of the forum that explains all of it. Mine are 7 weeks old now, and if you think they need space after 1 week, you will need a plan for the next couple months for sure.

 

[DucksQuackMeUp]

Peafowl are gorgeous! I wish I had somewhere to keep them.

Thanks so much. I'm just amazed the eggs hatched in the incubator. Total cute overload!

 

[DucksQuackMeUp]

New to babies this year too. Congrats! I can say that it is not advisable to have them on dirt until they are 4 months old. Their immune systems are not mature. There is a sticky that helped me out a BUNCH at the top of the forum that explains all of it. Mine are 7 weeks old now, and if you think they need space after 1 week, you will need a plan for the next couple months for sure.

Thank you regarding the response. I know they are a bit more vunerable and the mortality rate is high among chicks. I envisioned extending a shed previously used by the goats. Not sure what size wire. I have 1//4 inch covering shavings in the tub which is working great to keep shavings out of the water and food. Had to also cover the top as they are flying out. How high would you make the run? 10-12 feet? And how long for the four birds! The two males and female are free ranging on the farm and would be sleeping almost above them in a large tree fort about thirty feet up. So they would be near relatives. Ha ha. Also I hear sand is easier to clean. And a large enough door to walk into for cleaning. Then how long in captivity? I'm thinking at least six months. Thanks in advance for any help. And where is sticky note?

 

[Artistickatt]

(so with the exclaimer that I am also a newbie to peacocks, but I have raised chickens)

Nothing more than 1/2" hardcloth from everything I have read. It depends on your predators. I have everything from Coyotes, Foxes, Racoons, Ringtail Cats, Opossums on our ranch and all active. If you are expecting issues they say 1/4". And do yourself a favor and don't skimp on the price. For me I will do 1/4" pvc, galvanized on the shed and on a run (still debating in my head) 2x3 to 50" with a 18" predator skirt (because there is no digging into the bedrock we have), electrified (I think) on the outside of the run with a netting on top (especially recommended for birds that flush) that I will go up to about 10 feet with. My shed is having to be built and it is off a greenhouse plan, so I can use it for that later.

For penned peacocks I have seen anything recommended from 100sqft per bird to 150sqft per bird. But like you, I intend to free range here, and not specifically breed them. So you can end up with a situation where you are thinking they just need temporary lodging (sorta). The question is when do you expect to release them (6 months to nine months for me), and in that mean time how much space is needed for the age they are at, at a specific time of year, etc. But as a wise person told me a few weeks ago ...

Gramps said that you can't build a barn too big. If the occasion comes that you have to pen them up it is better to already have the pen built the correct size.

I asked a question on brooder bottom options, and KsKingBee had some good insight and pictures of what they do.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/brooder-bottom-options.1665939/

Sorry for the length of this, and that I am not more experienced with peafowl. Currently, I am reading everything I can get my hands on, hours a day. The wealth of info comes from the people who have done this the longest. I feel like the best thing I can do is read, and try not to ask too beginner a question. I know from my other hobbies, people appreciate it when you have done your homework. I was luckily to have been given good info here to start with, and that sticky thread has been a lifesaver a couple of times. I have some eggs arriving from a neighbor tomorrow to try to hatch <<crossing my fingers>>. I am so glad you didn't have any issues. I don't expect to be as lucky.