Resources for getting started?

[kathleengp]

Hi there -

I have 13 chickens and would like to add some peafowl this year. I am in Upstate NY and I'd like to know where to turn for basic info on housing/feeding etc. Are there books or posts that you pros may be able to direct me to?

I'm wondering if we need to build special housing or if separate, chicken-type housing combined with free-ranging will be ok.

Thanks!!

Kathleen

 

[chickenzoo]

Hi, the United Peafowl Association has good info to get you started. I would advise to start out housing your peafowl sperate than the chickens, as chickens can carry diseases such as Black Head that can be deadly to Turkey and peafowl. Some people don't have problems housing together, but when you do it goes very bad, very quickly. Mine free range in the same pasture, but are hosed separately to lessen the chances and I always make sure I keep everyone wormed well. Best Wishes.

 

[featherhead]

Here's a good book to get you started. Good luck and have fun!
http://peafowl.org/publications/books.htm

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

Yep, I keep mine separate and several hundred feet away from where the chickens are housed out for that very reason, Prevention is easier than curing!
My breeder pens are larger than most, 25x 50 12 foot tall in the middle down to 6 foot at the sides, Many get by with much smaller, 10x 30's or so for a trio or quad, wouldn't run many more than that in a smaller pen though.
I do have 8x8 3 sided shelters in each pen, but they seldom use them, really heavy rains they go in them, otherwise they always use the tall perches on the 12 center poles.
Worm them at least twice a year, and you are good to go. Be warned, they are freakin addictive, started out this year with just a handful, had 40 before fall hit!!