Peacocks - Information about these beautiful birds
Several years ago, I looked out in my front yard and was surprised to see two peacocks! I live in a rural area, and up to that point had only seen peacocks at the zoo. My husband and I later figured out that the our feathery visitors had come from the woods behind the Amish farm that sits behind our home. Apparently, someone had raised the birds and left them there. It is my understanding that peacocks are good to have around a farm although I’m not sure why. It could be because their loud and distinctive squawk keeps predators away from livestock and farm animals.
Peacocks are natives of Southern Asia and Malaysia and were raised and kept in these countries, China, and later in Europe for many centuries. Historical records indicate that King Solomon kept several peacock species, including the India Blue. Romans raised these birds not only for decoration but to eat as well. By the sixteenth century, it became popular to eat turkeys in America and peacocks were no longer commonly eaten. In some remote and less civilized areas of the world, however, they are still eaten.
Until I saw the two birds in my front yard and later did some research about them, I hadn’t realized that the males are the ones with the beautiful green and blue plumage. Females do not have such bright color as the males. One other thing of note is that a peacock poops everywhere! We found droppings on our front walk constantly after our initial discovery of our new feathered friends!
If you love these birds, you may want to raise them yourself. India Blue peacocks are commonly bred and kept in many areas of the world. They can even do well in cold climates, much better than the Green species which are more expensive. However, the tail of the Green peacock is more beautiful than the India Blue, so it may be worth the expense to invest in this breed. Feeding a peacock is simple as well. Feed them a mixture of grains, game bird crumbles and a variety of greens. If you don’t wish for droppings to be all over your walk (like mine) you can keep peacocks in covered pens. Peacocks hardly ever get sick and it is believed that they can live thirty or more years!
For more information about peacock breeds and raising and keeping them, search online for information about these beautiful birds.