My Peafowl in Summer
Here in the Northeast, while today is expected to be cloudy with rain showers, we're expecting a heatwave with very warm temperatures in the 90s the next several days. We'll be watching all my animals very closely to make sure they're well-hydrated and comfortable.
Many of you comment about how much you enjoy seeing the animals on my farm, so I thought it was a good time to share this update on my peacocks and peahens. I have 16 living in a coop surrounded by a large, fully-enclosed yard located just outside my stable and near my Linden Allee. I visit these beautiful birds every day. I love calling out to them and waiting for their energetic responses. My peacocks are doing exceptionally well and remain active, curious, and very, very vocal.
Here are some photos, enjoy. And, be sure to tune in to QVC today at 1pm ET. I'll be celebrating "Christmas in July" with lots of great holiday decorations including large peafowl figures and clip ornaments - inspired by my own beautiful ostentation!
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- My peafowl coop is fully enclosed to protect them from predators. It is difficult to see, but I devised a way to also keep them from flying out of their pen. There are long strands of monofilament fishing line across the top from one side to the other. The lines keep predators out, but they don’t take away from the beautiful skies.
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- Peafowls are members of the pheasant family. There are two Asiatic species – the blue or Indian peafowl native to India and Sri Lanka, and the green peafowl originally from Java and Burma, and one African species, the Congo peafowl from African rain forests. All my peafowls are Indian.
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- All peafowl enjoy roosting at higher levels. In the wild, this keeps them safe from predators at night. My outdoor birds all have access to natural perches made from old felled trees here at the farm. It is important that they have a variety of perches upon which to roost. The peacocks and peahens have these “planted” trees both inside and outside their coop. Here, one can see the sharp, powerful metatarsal spurs on this hen’s legs. Also known as ‘kicking thorns,’ these spurs are used for defense against predators. They also have three strong toes facing forward and one facing backward.
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- All peacocks and peahens will look you in the eye, but if you stare at them or seem aggressive in body movements, they will feel threatened.
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- Peafowls are very hardy birds, and even though they are native to warm climates, they do very well in cold weather as long as they have access to dry areas away from strong winds. Both male and female peafowls have the fancy crest atop their heads called a corona. And, both sexes have bare patches of skin around their eyes.
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- The birds get a healthy mix of cornmeal, soybean, and wheat. I also feed the birds spinach, cabbage, and squash. In the wild, peacocks are omnivores – they eat insects, plants, and small creatures. They do most of their foraging in the early morning and evening. All the peacocks and peahens get lots of fresh, organic treats from my gardens. Peafowls enjoy protein-rich food and even fruit.
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- As beautiful as peafowls are, they don’t make very melodious sounds. Peafowls have 11 different calls, with most of the vocalizing made by the peacocks, or males. And, with their sharp eyesight, peafowls are quick to see predators and call out alarms. Oftentimes, I can hear them all the way from my Winter House.
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- Peacocks and peahens are very smart, docile, and adaptable birds. They are also quite clever and very curious. I think these two are hoping for some treats.
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- Females are as big as males but lack the long, beautiful train. Because most of these peahens have grown up here, they are all very accustomed to the crew and always love visitors. This peahen came right over to see who was entering the enclosure.
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- This is a silver pied peacock with white feathers and blue and green markings.
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- The males are so handsome with their long tails but do not underestimate their power. Full-grown, peacocks can weigh up to 13-pounds. The peacock’s brilliant train contains more than 200 shimmering feathers, each one decorated with eyespots.
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- They are very fast runners – they can go about 10mph. They can also fly when needed. Peafowls tend to run and take several small leaps before a big final hop. Their huge wingspan allows them to flutter quite far.
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- The peafowls love foraging. This hen must be searching for insects.
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- Occasionally, peafowls appear with white plumage. Most white birds have a genetic condition called leucism, which causes pigment cells to fail to migrate from the neural crest during development. Leucistic peachicks are born yellow and become fully white as they mature.
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- Peafowls are happiest when living in small groups – these two are great friends.
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- This peacock is still young – he won’t have his full tail until at least three years of age. Peahens usually choose males that have bigger, healthier plumage with an abundance of eyespots.
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- The peacock train consists not of tail quill feathers, but highly elongated upper tail coverts. Here is a closer look at the gorgeous eyespots on this mature male’s tail.
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- These birds are so photogenic with their iridescent blue necks – so handsome.
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- Look closely – a peafowl’s legs are very strong. As they develop, males will tend to have longer legs than females.
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- I am glad these birds get along with each other. These peafowls are resting on perches inside their coop.
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- All birds always find the highest perch – here is a peahen on one of the cross beams in the coop, and three others relaxing on the “planted” tree below.
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- This pair is sitting on a perch outside the coop – just watching all the activity around the farm.
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- And here is one peering out of the coop – looking around before it decides whether to go out or stay in. My peafowls are so wonderful – I am glad they are thriving here at Cantitoe Corners.
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