Peacocks & possibly guineas- What do I need to know?

[LinckHillPoultry]

I am getting 5 peachicks next week (

), 3 blue indias and 2 whites. What should I know about them? Here's a few things I can think of that I would like to know, but whatever I haven't covered in my questions that I should know and that are important, please let me know

:

How long does it take a peachick to reach full size?

At what age can they breed?

How high of roosts should I supply them with?

What treats do they like?

Can I let them free roam when they get older?

Etc. Etc. Just please let me know other things also

I am also contemplating possibly getting a guinea or 2, besides them being loud, what else should I know?


Thanks guys!

 

[warcard]

Full size ~ 30 wks, just like a heritage turkey

Breeding 2-3 years, males won't develop the full train until 3 years, females can breed earlier, but not as sucessfully

Well mine have roosted over 6 ft high, and people have them get on roofs and into trees, so I guess as high as you feel comfortable with.

Any treats, just like your turkey or chicken

Yep they can free range, but again the whole getting on top of your house, car, shed, etc. Well, its up to you? They have also been known to wander a bit. Heard of one attacking a blue car and damaging the finish pretty bad, he thought it was another male.

We basically treat ours like very pretty turkeys.

Guineas like to roam, keep them penned for a least a month before letting them go one at a time.

 

[LinckHillPoultry]

Wow, it stinks that it takes them that long to sexually mature.


Oh well, I'm still getting them because I am so fascinated with them

 

[chickenzoo]

Mine started to breed pretty early. I had peababys last year and this breeding season is their 3rd year. Peafowl will eat a lot of things,turkey grower,catfood/dog food, fish pellets,fruits,veggies,nuts,goldfish crackers.....and lizards,fire ants,bugs,snakes etc. they like a varied diet.LOL I raised mine in a pen and would let them out during the day and put them up at night.After a few times they knew the routine and would go to bed on their own. They need a large pen, a males tail can get 6ft long. They like to perch high,very high. They will often jump up on my barn roof. I do not have a problem with them wandering, I have cattle fence and privacy fence that they tend not to jump on.they get bored easily so hide food in things for them to keep their attention in your yard.

 

[LinckHillPoultry]

Thanks guys

 

[Sarree]

my peacock beats up on my guineas and actually broke one of their legs by jumping up and kicking at them!!! So, I recommend thinking about it first.

 

[dixygirl]

Be forewarned though that peacocks scream and honk much louder than any rooster. Usually they are totally quiet be prepared for the spine chilling scream when it comes. It can wake the dead. During breeding season mine love to do it at 3am.

 

[Wolf-Kim]

Quote:
I was researching peacocks in folklore and I came across a saying that I thought was hilarious.

"The peacock has the beauty of an angel....... and the scream of a devil.." LOL

There was another one that said "the peacock is the most beautiful bird except for their feet. Everytime a peacock sees it's hideous feet it scares itself and screams" LMAO

The second one is a little ridiculous, but still fun.

Peafowl do not make as much noise as guineas or roosters, but when they make noise, you'll hear it because it's loud!

-Kim

 

[ticks]

Peacocks need a lot of space, I read that the Peacock's tail can spread to 10 ft. wide. Also you might want to keep your guineas away from the peafowl because is they cross breed it will be one ugly mutation.

 

[birdnutz]

Mine started attacking us! They never bothered the chickens or guineas. Boy do they carry a kick. We got rid of them because we didn't have any way to contain them. If I did it over again I sure wouldn't want them comfortable with me. No spoiling them like the chickens.