I am new to peafowl and got 3 chicks on June 23 - aged approximately 6 weeks, 8 weeks and 10 weeks. I was told the youngest is an "India Blue no split", the middle one is "black shoulder" and the oldest is "India Blue split to white". They are now about 7 weeks older (so 13 weeks, 15 weeks and 17 weeks). I have them in a cage off the ground, awaiting their brand-new coop (a couple more weeks). They eat Turkey Starter crumble (medicated) mixed with organic Turkey Starter feed from a local farm. Often their water contains vitamins and/or apple cider vinegar.
Problem: today I noticed the middle one (15 weeks) is favoring her right leg. It doesn't appear twisted (slipped tendon?) - she looks more "knocked-kneed" where as the legs on the other two appear to come down straight and parallel from their bodies. And she holds it up or limps.
Picture:
Thoughts?
Second Question: Will anyone help me determine which are male/female? While taking these pictures, the oldest had his way with the middle (injured) one...so I am assuming the oldest is male and the middle is female - but perhaps I am jumping to conclusions? No idea on the youngest.
Here are pictures of each, oldest to youngest:
Oldest - tall one in back
Middle - "she" is pale
Youngest (closeup!)
or (the one in front)
FINALLY - what are the risks (at their ages) of letting them walk on the grass instead of being 6" off the ground on a cage floor? They would have more space and I'm sure find life more interesting! I do have free-range chickens and guineas, but the peafowl would be enclosed.
Thanks - you are a helpful, knowledgable bunch!!
Problem: today I noticed the middle one (15 weeks) is favoring her right leg. It doesn't appear twisted (slipped tendon?) - she looks more "knocked-kneed" where as the legs on the other two appear to come down straight and parallel from their bodies. And she holds it up or limps.
Picture:
Thoughts?
Second Question: Will anyone help me determine which are male/female? While taking these pictures, the oldest had his way with the middle (injured) one...so I am assuming the oldest is male and the middle is female - but perhaps I am jumping to conclusions? No idea on the youngest.
Here are pictures of each, oldest to youngest:
Oldest - tall one in back
Middle - "she" is pale
Youngest (closeup!)
or (the one in front)
FINALLY - what are the risks (at their ages) of letting them walk on the grass instead of being 6" off the ground on a cage floor? They would have more space and I'm sure find life more interesting! I do have free-range chickens and guineas, but the peafowl would be enclosed.
Thanks - you are a helpful, knowledgable bunch!!