"Planting" New Perches for My Peafowl

September 26, 2019

Peafowl can add an exotic element to any farm, but caring for them is a huge responsibility. Not only do they need high-quality food and ample exercise, but birds must also have a safe place to roost - they like to be up high to see what is around them and to escape from predators if needed.

All my outdoor birds have access to natural perches made from felled trees here at the farm. Yesterday, the two pear trees that were removed the day before were "planted" near the peafowl coops.

Enjoy these photos.

: This peacock watches intently as we approach the pen. Peacocks and peahens are alert and curious animals. Notice, his tail feathers are very short now. Males lose their long tail feathers after the breeding season and then grow them back the following year.

: These are the two main tools the crew uses to dig the holes for the new peafowl trees. On the left is a tamping bar, which has one straight end for digging and a rounded end for repacking the dirt. On the right is a post hole digger, which is used to dig narrow holes. The tool is jabbed into the ground in the open position and then closed to grab and pull out the soil.

: Here is the crew carrying the tree into the peafowl pen. These trees can weigh about two hundred pounds each.

: The peacocks and peahens gather around, and on, the tree right away. Because most of my peacocks and peahens have been raised here at the farm, they’re all accustomed to the various people and noises.

: Using the post hole digger, Dawa digs the hole for one of the trees, while Phurba uses one end of the tamping bar to enlarge the opening just enough for the tree’s trunk.

: The two create a hole about two to three feet deep, so it can safely secure the tree.

: Phurba and Dawa then trim a few of the branches, so it fits the height of the space. Looking up, it is easy to see the lines of monofilament across the entire area that keep predators out of the pen.

: The tree is carefully and gently lifted by hand, and then inserted into the newly dug hole. It fits perfectly.

: Once it is level and straight, Dawa backfills the hole with soil.

: Using the tamping bar, Dawa then compacts the soil in the hole until it is completely secure.

: Meanwhile, look at what is happening nearby – this peacock is fanning his short tail feathers.

: No matter the species of peacock, these colorful creatures boast impressively sized and patterned plumage as part of a courtship ritual to attract a female. It isn’t breeding season, but with all the males outside, this one wants to show how beautiful his tail is, even if it is short with no eyespots.

: The peacock also turns in circles showing off his tail. This display is known as “train-rattling.”

: Researchers found that the longer the train feathers, the faster the males would shake them during true courtship displays, perhaps to demonstrate muscular strength. During this particular display, the females did not give much attention to the male.

: The tree is “planted” and looks great – this tree will be a nice perch for the peafowl.

: Dawa moves over to the other side of the pen where the second tree will be placed. He begins to prepare that hole with the post hole digger.

: Here is the newly dug hole – any adjustments to the opening will be made as the tree is “planted”.

: Again, Dawa trims off any branches that are too tall for the space or too small for perching.

: Phurba and Dawa place the tree in the hole and turn it, so the best side faces the front of the pen. It looks very straight here in this new location.

: Dawa backfills the hole as Phurba holds it in place. I know my peafowl will love this tree also. Birds like to nap while roosting. In the wild, roosting birds are alerted to any vibrations or noises predators make if they climb the tree looking for prey.