An Oak Tree Roost for My Peafowl
My ostentation of peafowl is growing and thriving here at my Bedford, New York farm. I now have 17 of these magnificent birds.
All my adult peacocks and peahens live in a very safe and comfortable pen near my stable, where they get lots of attention from visiting friends and family. 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 old felled trees here at the farm. Last week, the crew moved and "planted" an oak tree in the middle of their expanded pen - and they love it.
Enjoy these photos - and be sure to see more on my Instagram page @MarthaStewart48.
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- Peacocks and peahens are alert and curious animals. What do you think my handsome peacock is looking at?
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- A large tree on its side is resting in the corner of the peafowl pen. I hate to take any tree down, but sometimes it is necessary if it is damaged, diseased, or deteriorating. This oak tree was removed from its location and saved. It’s a great tree to repurpose as a perch for my peafowl to use during the day.
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- Using a post hole digger, my outdoor grounds crew digs a big hole for the tree in the middle of the pen, which was recently enlarged for the growing ostentation. The hole is about four to five feet deep, so it can safely secure the tall tree. Using the post hole digger is not difficult, but it does take time, especially if there are a lot of rocks in the area. The post-hole digger is lifted as high as possible and then the blades are dropped down into the soil, pulled outward to close the blades and lift the excavated soil from the hole.
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- Before the tree is even “planted,” the peacocks and peahens are already testing it out – I think they like it.
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- This peahen is watching all the activity from afar.
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- The oak tree is quite heavy, so the crew gathers together to strategize how they will carry it to its location. Oak wood is very dense – about 55 pounds per cubic foot when dry. In fact, do you know… the U.S.S. Constitution reportedly received its nickname, “Old Ironsides,” during the War of 1812 because of its live oak hull? That’s right, the hull was so tough that cannon balls fired from British war ships literally bounced off it – these trees are extremely tough.
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- Oaks are also one of the broadest spreading of the oak tree species – look at the branches – they grow straight out. They’re perfect for peafowl perching. The crew secures a heavy duty strap to the trunk and maneuvers it into position.
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- Slowly, the tree is carefully and gently lifted by hand, and inserted into the newly dug hole. It fits perfectly. How many strong crew men does it take to move an oaky tree? We have five!
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- Once the tree is level and straight, the crew backfills the hole with soil. Using a tamping bar, Chhiring packs the soil in, so it is tight and the tree is secure. Oak trees have bark with deep fissures and ridges, giving it a scaly look. The bark color of oaks ranges from whitish-gray to almost black.
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- It is important to pack the tree in very well, so there is no chance of it falling over.
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- Chhiring also walks on the soil to tamp it down.
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- Pasang, who is our resident tree expert, climbs up the tree to make sure it is secure enough for the peafowl – it is important that the peafowl feel safe when roosting on its high branches.
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- Because the peahens have been raised here at the farm, they’re all accustomed to the various noises. It did not take long before they approached the area to see what was happening.
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- Within minutes, the peacocks and peahens gather around the tree.
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- Meanwhile, look at what is happening nearby – this young peacock is fanning his short tail feathers. With all the males outside, this one wants to show how beautiful his tail is, even if it is short with no eyespots.
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- Full grown, peafowl can weigh up to 13-pounds, and peacocks with their majestic trains can reach body lengths of more than five feet. I’m so pleased my peafowl are healthy and happy at the farm.
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- We have one on the tree. Peafowl are beautiful birds, but do not underestimate their power – they are extremely strong with very sharp spurs. They will perch on anything above ground to get a better view.
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- Nearby, the pretty blue opens his tail. The males boast impressively sized and patterned plumage as part of a courtship ritual to attract a female. This peacock also turns in circles showing-off his tail feathers. 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.
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- And then there were three… more have flown up to roost on the newly “planted” tree.
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- This white peacock is on the roof of the nearby shelter.
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- Both male and female peafowl have the fancy crest atop their heads called a corona.
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- In the wild, roosting up high keeps them safe from predators. Here, there are six…
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- And then there were seven – each one on his or her own branch. My peafowl will love this tree. I know they will love roosting here and watching over all that happens here at the farm. Enjoy it, my dear peafowl.
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