How to Keep Peacocks

Peacocks are the male variety of a type of large, colorful birds called peafowl. They can be found in a variety or deep blues and greens, and have long tail feathers that they display, making them a stunning addition to your yard. These birds look very exotic and impressive, but can be easily kept as a pet. By taking the proper steps to care for your peacock, your bird will remain happy and healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Pen materials
  • Roosting board
  • Large bucket
  • Various peacock foods
  • Vitamin supplements
  • Bird wormer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a pen for your peacock to live in. Because peacocks can become so much larger than other birds, such as chickens, this pen should be about 6 feet tall and 10 feet wide and long. If your peacock will not be allowed to forage, this pen must be much larger, about 80 square feet. The pen should be made of small, strong wire mesh, so that the birds don't get out, and any predators cannot get in. Depending on your climate, enclose at least one side of the pen with wood, to create a windbreak. If you live in a colder climate, you may need to enclose the entire pen.

    • 2

      Provide shade for the bird, either by building the pen under large trees, or by roofing part of the pen.

    • 3

      Add a flat roosting area, such as a wide board, to the pen. The roosting area should be about 4 feet off the ground.

    • 4

      Place a 3-gallon bucket in the pen and fill with fresh water daily.

    • 5

      Feed the peacock a birdseed mix daily. You can also supplement this diet, mimicking a more natural diet, by giving treats of dry cat or dog food, which has a healthy protein level for the peacock, and fresh fruits and vegetables, which also supply necessary vitamins.

    • 6

      Allow the peacock to forage naturally. The peacock will need to roam in a large area, such as a field, paddock, or through a group of trees. As the peacock forages, it will eat any bugs, seeds and small rodents or reptiles. This will supplement its diet and keep it healthier than a birdseed-only diet would. If you let your bird forage, place a food the peacock particularly likes in his pen, so that it will return without roaming too far.

    • 7

      Add a bird vitamin supplement to your peacock's food or water. This will help fill in any vitamin deficiencies.

    • 8

      Give the peacock a bird wormer twice a year, in order to get rid of any parasites.