Peafowl in the Backyard – Beauty, Brains, or Both?

[BYC Project Manager]

Peafowl are some of the most striking birds you can keep—those vibrant feathers, the proud strut, and of course, that unforgettable call. Many people are drawn to them for their beauty alone, but those who’ve spent time around them know they’ve got big personalities too.

Some keepers say they act more like watchdogs, alerting the whole yard when someone approaches. Others love how social (and sometimes sassy!) they can be with chickens, ducks, or even people. On the flip side, there are challenges like their loud calls, space needs, or the way they love to perch in the most unexpected places.

So let’s chat:

• Have you ever kept peafowl, or are they on your “someday” list?
• What do you think is their best trait—the looks, the personality, or their usefulness as a guard-bird?
• For those with experience, do they get along with your flock, or do they prefer their own company?
• And be honest - how do you (and your neighbors!) feel about their call during breeding season?

Whether you’ve got a full roost of peacocks or just admire them from afar, peafowl always seem to spark stories. Let’s hear yours!

 

[PeaShack]

I am new to peafowl and hatched out 4 spaldings from eBay eggs. They just turned 11 weeks old and it feels like they are doubling in size daily. We are about to build a new, larger pen to give them more space for zoomies.

Such beautiful but silly creatures. Today Peabody looked more like a vulture in a party sequined dress. Last week Kenneth stomped on a bed of Mexican Petunias and decorated his back end in the process.

 

[Finchbreeder]

Never kept them. But have observed them at different times and locations.
A friend who was Caretaker of a Local Golf Club used to semi free range his there, and that was popular with Tourists, but less so occasionally with the members.
University of West Aust has had them free ranging there for years and years, they perch in the trees and on the balconies and can be found from ground level to a couple of stories up.