Peafowl, considered domesticated birds, are one of the most beautiful species of birds in the world. The India Blue Peafowl is the heartier of the peafowl species and lends itself well to domestic breeding. One can get started with the breeding process by purchasing a few mature peahens and a peacock and providing adequate food and shelter. Read on to learn more.
Instructions
1. Start with mature peafowl. Both peahens and peacocks reach breeding maturity at two years; however, peacocks are prepared for breeding at three years. This is when the peacock's ornamental feather train starts to become full and thick, attracting more peahens. A mature, healthy peacock can be mated with at least 5 peahens; but the fertility rate of the peacocks should be monitored to see how many eggs the peacock can viably fertilize.
2. Create a safe nest. While free-roaming peahens tend to make their nests in tall grass, shrubs or piles of brush, these areas are often vulnerable to predators such as foxes, dogs and raccoons. To breed peafowl safely, provide the peahens with a shelter away from predators using items such as old tires, a wooden box or an empty barrel. Fill the nest with nesting materials such as hay or straw.
3. Incubate the eggs. April is the start of egg-laying season for peahens. When the hens are allowed to incubate their own eggs, they'll lay between seven and 10 eggs and sit on them until they hatch. If you incubate the eggs yourself, a peahen may lay up to 30 eggs, as she will replace the eggs that you take away to the incubator.
4. Feed the peacocks. Peacocks are relatives of the pheasant and should be fed with this in mind. Feed the chicks medicated starter feed for the first 6 months. After that, switch over to game-bird grower feed until they reach one year of age. Feed the yearlings game-bird maintenance feed until they reach breeding age. The fowl will also eat a variety of foods such as shelled corn, insects, sunflower seeds, rabbit pellets and even dog food.
5. House the peafowl. The age of the birds determines how to house them. Chicks should be kept in brooders for the first two or three months until they no longer need heat. You can then move them to flight pens until they reach breeding age or are ready to be sold. Peafowl used for breeding purposes should have larger pens because of the large size of the peacock's train. Make sure that the roost you provide suits the needs of the peacocks in size, strength, location and mobility.
6. Sell the peacocks. Find a peafowl vendor that you can work with or become one yourself. Contact a peafowl organization to point you in the right direction.
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