Instructions
House your peafowl in large, enclosed pen or barn. The enclosure must be roomy enough to allow adult birds to fully extend their plumage (8 to 10 feet square) and tall enough to allow for an elevated roost (6 feet). Ample living quarters are especially important in frigid climates where peacocks will naturally spend more time indoors.
Secure the enclosure's roof and walls with chicken wire and plastic sheeting if need be. Chicken wire helps keep the birds in and the predators out. Plastic sheeting keeps the enclosure dry and protects the peafowl from harsh winter winds.
Provide a flat, elevated (at least 4 feet) roosting board in the housing enclosure. Round roosting poles require a peacock to grip their roost, exposing their feet to the cold. A flat board such as a 2-by-4 allows the birds to sit on their feet, thus preventing frostbite.
Add shelled corn to the peafowl's maintenance grain mixture. Corn provides extra carbohydrate calories, which help maintain higher body temperatures during winter months.
Clean the housing enclosure regularly. Keep the floors clear of droppings and spilled food to prevent illness. Fill any depressions or holes in the floor to prevent standing water.
Monitor birds for illness and maintain a regular worming schedule. Peafowl are susceptible to internal parasites and viruses during the winter months. This is especially true in overcrowded and dirty enclosures.
How to Winter Peafowl
Prized for their colorful plumage, peafowl were exported across the globe almost as soon as they were domesticated. Originally from the warm climates of India and Southeast Asia, many peafowl now live in regions that experience snow and freezing temperatures. Despite their hardiness and adaptability, raising peafowl in cold climates requires some extra planning and preparation, especially during the winter months.