I don't take the chance, I have a heat lamp in the cage in the shed as I type for the 3 birds still in it. I found a bird that froze to death and I vowed it will never happen again. What a horrible way to die. So for me I say use the heat lamp when temps get too extreme for the younger birds, sometimes the adults need it too.
I so agree with this. Like Frosty though I am afraid of the heat lamps with the Peas. They are just so....active?...and condensation happens. I started another thread hoping others of like mind might have some ideas for heating their coops and houses in extreme weather. I've got one that I'm trying to work out in my head before I approach my husband with it. Shouldn't cost much to put together but I need a definite plan of action to head off the nay saying, lol.
Our local zoo had the building that housed the peafowl burn down, all of the peas died. They said it was caused by the heater, but didn't say what they used for heat. I imagine that would be a horrible way to die too. How does one know for sure that a bird froze to death without having a necropsy done? I have never had a bird freeze to death. I did have a case where we had temps in the 90's on Oct 1st, then on Oct 5th we had temps in the lower 30's and got hit with a bad blizzard with 16" of heavy wet snow. I had a turkey hen with her 6 babies still loose outside and they all got separated and disappeared. Since the babies were only 2 1/2 months old, I figured I lost them. They showed up one or two at a time over the next few days, and none were lost. I was amazed! I also had a White Holland turkey take off after their building collapsed under the snow load a few years ago. I couldn't find her, and finally gave up. It was December and I figured either the weather of predators got her. We had a lot of snow, a few major blizzards, and some really cold weather that winter. The following March, a neighbor called to say there was a white turkey hen in her yard. I got my girl back. I have no idea of where she was or what she ate, but she made it through the winter on her own.
Ya know what? these are the kind of stories that keep the rest of us going. Thanks so much for sharing.
I feed my peafowl the really ripe bananas. Take the peeling off and they will peck until it's gone. Very nutritious for them. They also love peanuts....I purchase the raw shelled ones in 20 lb bags in the birdseed section of Feed Stores. Try anything nutritious...you'll be surprised what they eat. I always have Game Bird Feed available in their pens but supplement with other healthy food. I've started using the new Farmer's Helper UltraKibble as well. My peafowl are healthy and happy. I'm thankful I've not had to deal with the weather some of you folks are. We're outside San Antonio with worst so far being 26.
Lol!!! Oh yeah!With all of the problems with peanuts making people sick, is that a concern for peafowl? And where do you get the Ultrakibble?
One thing about nasty cold weather... I appreciate spring more than you do!
I was thinking of using p'nut butter rather than the whole. We don't have them available to us here. As for temps...wow! We got up to 26 degrees today and it felt warm! I have no clue what will happen next week if we get up around 40 like they are claiming. Margaritas by the pool!
The peanuts for people are roasted. For birds are raw so they are totally different product. I've not had an problem with them. Ultrakibble can now be bought at Tractor Supply. They carry the small bags but to expensive to purchase it that way. Ask them to order the 15 lb bag and feed as directed. It's a supplement and has essential nutrients in it including veggies.With all of the problems with peanuts making people sick, is that a concern for peafowl? And where do you get the Ultrakibble?
One thing about nasty cold weather... I appreciate spring more than you do!
