While raising chickens is an extremely fun and fulfilling thing to do, you may be wondering about bringing in some more exotic fowl into your flock – such as peacocks (and why not?!). Chickens are, after all, often considered a gate-way animal to not only homesteading but collecting various fowl as well.
You may be wondering if it’s ok to raise the two breeds togethers or if they should be kept completely separate, and the answer is – you can raise them together.
But! It’s often not recommended.
While peacocks and chickens can coexist peacefully, but there are a few factors to consider before introducing them to each other and raising them together:
[1] Space & Environment: Peacocks require more space than chickens to roam and display their extravagant plumage. Peacocks are also fond of perching higher up in trees and on roofs so it’s a good idea to build a coop/run area that’s not only bigger around, but also much taller. I would recommend a minimum enclosure of 8’ high, but the higher the better. Ensure you have enough space in your coop and outdoor area to accommodate both peacocks and chickens comfortably. Having sufficient space is one of the best ways to ensure animals can get along peacefully.
[2] Pecking Order: Chickens have an established pecking order, and the introduction of new birds can disrupt this dynamic. It’s crucial to monitor their interactions initially to prevent aggression or bullying. Providing enough space, resources, and visual barriers can help alleviate potential conflicts.
[3] Diet: Peacocks have specific dietary needs and their nutritional requirements differ from those of chickens – they typically need a higher protein gamebird feed. To ensure both are getting their unique nutritional needs, you will need to provide appropriate feed for both species.
You will also need to try to find a way to keep them from eating each other’s food as best you can, such as putting the peacock food up in higher places where they can fly up (keeping in mind some chickens are pretty good flyers too).
[4] Safety: While peacocks are generally very calm, they are also relatively large birds compared to chickens and may inadvertently cause harm if they become too territorial or aggressive. If keeping them together with chickens, ensure that there is plenty of room for them to roam about and areas for both species to escape to if there’s an unwanted encounter.
[5] Transmission of Diseases: One of the biggest concerns of raising different species of fowl together is transmission of diseases. Chickens tend to be more susceptible to diseases and are then able to pass this diseases to other birds that are in contact with them.
While several minor illnesses and parasites won’t bother thickens too much, peacocks tend to be particularly susceptible to them. If raising the two species together, you may want to consider deworming your peacocks on a somewhat regular basis.
[6] Breeding: It’s important to note that peacocks and chickens are different species and generally do not interbreed. However, mating attempts can occur, leading to potential complications or injuries. It’s advisable to separate different species during breeding seasons or consider keeping them separately if breeding is a concern.
Peacocks also generally need to be kept in breeding pairs to ensure they’re happy and have companionship.
[7] Noise: This is less about raising peacocks and chickens together, but more about peacocks in general. If you’re living in a residential area with your neighbors close by (like I do), then you most likely are only keeping hens due to noise levels (and laws).
Chickens can sometimes be noisy if they’re excited, startled, or if they just laid an egg and are loudly singing the song of their people, but for the most part chickens (hens) are fairly quiet.
Due to their raucousness, however, peacocks can make excellent guard-fowl and can help protect your flock against some smaller predators.
~*~
By taking these factors into account, providing appropriate housing, and carefully monitoring their interactions, it is possible for peacocks and chickens to live together harmoniously. However, always ensure the well-being and safety of all birds involved by observing their behavior and making adjustments as necessary.
