Peacocks breed guide
Peafowl varieties, space and climate needs, and raising peachicks.
History & origins
- The India Blue peafowl is the national bird of India and has been kept ornamentally for over 2,000 years.
- Green (Java) and Congo peafowl are distinct species; nearly all US color mutations trace to India Blue stock.
Care & housing
- Peafowl need tall covered pens — 10 ft or more of height — so cocks can roost and carry a full train.
- Feed 20%+ game bird ration; supplement with greens and keep them dry in winter.
- They roam and are loud in spring; pen new birds at least 6 months before allowing free range.
Breeding tips
- Cocks generally do not grow a full train or breed reliably until their third year.
- Incubate 28-30 days; hens lay 5-9 eggs per clutch, more if you pull eggs to trigger relaying.
- Peachicks are cold- and damp-sensitive — brood them longer and drier than chicks.