Ok don't tell on me...

[ChickieNikki]

DH is building our first chicken coop, and the 25 2-week-old chicks are in the brooder...and I'm researching PEAFOWL...he'd kill me!!

So, we live in MO, seldom get temps below 10F, and if so, only for a few weeks, snows infrequently, usually no more than a few inches, summers run 90s July & August. I'd want a trio for breeding and I would sell hatching eggs/chicks. They only lay once a year, I read, and unless I'm pulling eggs and incubating them or letting a broody hen set them, I'll only get 4-5 eggs in a clutch. As for me, I wouldn't want to keep more than 3--1 cock, 2 hens.

From what I understand, I would need a pen about 15x15 with several roosts inside for a trio of peas. 2x4 welded wire is apparently OK for the walls, with posts 8' apart or so. I know they fly, so my run would need to be covered with netting, I believe.

So, I was wondering what the deal is with their "coop"? Do they just roost outside? Do they need shelter in rain/snow/below-teens temps? I know they'll need a nest box on the ground to lay when it's time (2 years old, if I'm not mistaken)--can it just be a small crate lined with hay, maybe 18"x18", open in the front? And I have little shade where I'm thinking of building the pen--how much shade do they need, and would it work to cover half the run with PVC roofing or somthing like that?

Thanks...I did 3 years of chicken research before getting the green light...peafowl might still be a year or two off, but when I'm prepared, things go much more smoothly!

 

[Chicky Tocks]

Seriously? Peacocks..er hens only lay once a year? No wonder they're so stinkin expensive!

 

[deerman]

Pen for a trio 3 yr or older, 10x30 x 6 high. 2x4 weld wire will keep birds in, but skunks can get in and eat the eggs.

You will need one end closed in 10x10 ft.

Unless you plan on heating stay away from the greens.

Yes peahen lay spring and summer, have had them lay at odd time of the year. like Oct. but eggs not fertile, because the peacocks had already drop his train.

Peacocks are not fertile year round, only when they have their train.

 

[ChickieNikki]

Quote:
Without harassing you for more info, when you say "closed" do you mean 10x10 shelter closed on 3 sides with the 4th open to a 10x20 pen, or, a 10x10 coop with a secure door that opens to a 10x30 pen (said a different way, assuming the run is secure from predators, do I need a fully enclosed shelter, or 3 sides enclosed and the 4th open to the pen)? Or am I misunderstanding, and they need a 10x10 shelter AND a 10x30 pen? Sorry for the confusion--still a noob!

Thanks!

 

[deerman]

10x10 enclosed open to 10x20 run. I would close 3 side and the 4 th half closed. For the winter

 

[IggiMom]

Well, I have had Peafowl for years and they have always roosted outside (their choice) and they do fine with it.

I am in West Virginia, I think maybe we get colder winters than you.

They free range, too.

Catherine

 

[lovemychicks2much]

Quote:
i Live in west virginia as well do you happen to ever sell and eggs or chicks i am in southern wv mercer co. if you happen to know where that is my mom has a white pair and india blue pair but the eggs arent fertile yet and i read they need to be together 2 to 3 years and she just got hers last summer but i would love to have some and that is why im asking

 

[IggiMom]

Oh, I am sorry, my laying birds are not old enough yet, either. But I would very much like some eggs from your white pair (thinking ahead) and I will eventually have some also.

I had a number of Peas and they eventually got old and my last bird of the old ones is still here (a cock). He is a lovely India Blue, and near as I can remember he is about 22 years old. His buddy died a few months ago. I was so sad.

And last year I got several birds, two Cameos (female), two Indias (a male and a female) and two Silver Pieds that I THINK are a male and a female, and a lovely pair of whites. But they are all too young to have fertile eggs.

Not quite a year old.

But someday...

Catherine

 

[TennesseeTruly]

I'm glad the OP asked these questions. I too am interested in peafowl but probably not for a year or two. I also do tons of research before I make decisions so I'll add this to my research. I love the greens, I think they're gorgeous.

I'm in TN and we have mild winters. I would provide heated shelter for peas if need be.

Thanks for asking these questions.

Laurie

 

[lovemychicks2much]

Quote:
pm me i dont want to tie up this thread but i would love to talk to you and find out how far you are from me and stuff and see what all you have and maybe we could do some trading on some eggs or something