Peahen vs peacock as friend for existing peacock

[jsdger]

Makes a lot of sense! When I moved on to my property, this peacock and his mate were already there. There was also a younger male who eventually flew away when he got his feathers. The hen was aged and recently passed so I’m trying to figure out the best replacement but I feel like since he’s been free range for so many years I need to get a companion that can do the same. Sounds like a boy is the easiest!

Thank you for all the advice! I’ve looked locally and found a 6 yo peacock who has free ranged his whole life and a pair of 4yo peacocks who are currently penned, and am trying to decide which would be the best option. Understand I would need to monitor their personalities and it’s hard to tell but what do you think would have the best potential? I’ve been told I need to pen them for a few months to get them used to the place. Woukd that mean that the pair were better placed to manage being penned for that long, and also because they’d have each other? Thank you!

 

[KsKingBee]

No matter which you get they will have to be penned for at least a few weeks. The pair may be the better choice as you can let one out at a time for day supervision, letting him back in at night and then letting the other one out for daily roaming. They are not likely to leave the buddy in the pen and walk off. Be sure to feed and water them in the coop and no where else.

 

[August West88]

Well, it is kind of a general rule in life, BUT, as far as peas go, cocks do not spar or fight when there are no hens present. Hens do tend to lay their eggs in poorly thought out places and will cause you worry for about six weeks until the chicks can fly up to roost with mom and siblings if she doesn't get killed by a predator first. We free range about a dozen peas and they are such a joy to see living as nature intended for them to live. However, we will run most of the hens into a pen for the breeding season and the few we let free range we watch carefully where she sets her nest and take the eggs once she begins to go broody. Sometimes we will pull a lot of dog hair and make a circle around her to help hide her scent, but it is still risky.

Thought I'd put in my 2 cents - I think the peacock will be happier and more likely to stay around if he has a female - yes, she will likely lay eggs and stay hidden for a month hatching them and then show up with chicks - often some of the chicks get taken by predators, but some survive. I think it is worth the risk to have some chicks, they are such a joy and so cute! And although the chicks, before they can fly, are very vulnerable, I have never lost a hen setting on eggs - they camouflage extremely well.