Soon to be chick mom, have a few peafowl questions.

[Artistickatt]

I will be starting to raise four peachicks in the next few days (they will be a week old). I homesteaded and raised chickens a long time ago, (like before the internet was in homes), so I know the basics of brooding. I also have the benefit of a local friend who regularly raises them, and they are free range on her property here in central Texas. We have tons of wooded acreage for them with a flock of wild turkeys and deer who find protection here as well.

My question is this. With knowing that my four birds are going to be free range many months from now, what do I need for a pen between the brood stage and when they will be ready to be free range? I would like them to have a shelter if they want it in the winter, and I don’t anticipate do any breeding. My friend raises her peacocks in her huge chicken coop. But I don’t plan on chickens and don’t have a coop. I am trying to plan for later this summer when they are imprinting on the property. I have four chicks, what would folks suggest in size requirements for later this summer?

Thx

 

[Artistickatt]

I have read the sticky, I am just trying to get an idea of space needed for under 2 years old per bird.

 

[KsKingBee]

If they are going to be in the pen for two years then plan on 150 sq ft per bird. Cover the top with soft 2" netting and build a covered area like an open front loafing shed for them to take refuge in during storms and winter. Always feed them in the pen even after you turn them out so you can catch them in the future in case they need doctoring.

 

[Artistickatt]

If they are going to be in the pen for two years then plan on 150 sq ft per bird. Cover the top with soft 2" netting and build a covered area like an open front loafing shed for them to take refuge in during storms and winter. Always feed them in the pen even after you turn them out so you can catch them in the future in case they need doctoring.

Do they need to be up for two years? I was under the impression that one would be enough

 

[KsKingBee]

Do they need to be up for two years? I was under the impression that one would be enough

If you are going to overwinter them in the coop and pen then the 150SF per bird is the recommendation. They can be let out to free range at any time but I would keep them penned for at least a month or two so they learn where food and shelter is.

 

[Artistickatt]

Thankfully our winter here in central Texas is very mild, but I figure they will have a large pen in the mean time. Thanks for the extra info. I had read the 150sqft per bid recommendation, but was not sure if that was for full grows or if we could get away with a little less if they were out of jail at a year old.

 

[KsKingBee]

Gramps said that you can't build a barn too big. If the occasion comes that you have to pen them up it is better to already have the pen built the correct size.

 

[Waterfaery]

Gramps said that you can't build a barn too big. If the occasion comes that you have to pen them up it is better to already have the pen built the correct size.

That is a wonderful point. Always future proof if you can!