Peacock is a bird species belonging to the genus Pavo, and it has become an increasingly popular and unique bird in China. In China, three main types of peafowl are raised: the blue peafowl, green peafowl, and white peafowl. Among these, blue peafowls are the most commonly bred, followed by white peafowls. The green peafowl, however, is classified as a second-class protected animal and is less commonly cultivated due to its rarity.
Peacock meat is considered a premium food, known for being high in protein, low in cholesterol and fat, making it a nutritious and valuable option for consumption. It is often regarded as a delicacy in many regions.
**1. Life Habits**
Peacocks are alert birds with strong legs that make them excellent runners but poor flyers. They tend to live in groups and are generally not very active, especially during
Autumn and
Winter when they form larger flocks. In the wild, they prefer to live near mountain bases, streams, or farmlands, and they often roost in trees. These omnivorous birds feed on fruits, seeds, grains, grasses, and small insects like crickets and grasshoppers.
**2. Breeding Characteristics**
**2.1 Sexual Maturity and Courtship**
Male peacocks reach sexual maturity at around 22 months. In the wild, breeding typically starts in mid-February, while under captive conditions, it begins in early March. Males become active before sunrise and after sunset, engaging in courtship displays by spreading their tail feathers and circling females. When a female shows submission, the male mounts her for a brief mating period lasting only 5–10 seconds. About 15 days later, the female begins laying eggs.
**2.2 Egg Production**
During the breeding season, wild peacocks build nests in shrubs, bamboo groves, or grasslands, using materials such as weeds, twigs, leaves, and feathers. A typical clutch consists of 4–8 eggs, which are incubated by the female for 26–28 days. Under artificial breeding conditions, peacocks lay eggs between March and August, producing 20–35 eggs annually. The eggs are oval-shaped, ranging from white to light brown, weighing 100–125 grams each. Eggs are laid every other day, primarily between 5 p.m. and dusk.
**2.3 Hatching Process**
Artificial hatching is necessary for domesticated peacocks, as their natural hatching ability is limited. Fresh, clean eggs with a normal shape index should be selected and soaked in a 0.05% potassium permanganate solution for 5–10 minutes. The optimal hatching temperature ranges from 36.5°C to 37.5°C, with humidity maintained at 60–70% during incubation. Humidity should be increased to 70–75% two days before hatching. Eggs must be turned every 2–4 hours, and turning stops after transfer. Mid-incubation involves drying the eggs twice daily for 15–30 minutes to regulate temperature. The "eyelid test" can be used to check egg temperature. Proper ventilation is essential to prevent deformities. After 27 days of incubation, hatching occurs on the 28th day.
**3. Cage Structure for Peacock Rearing**
Peacock cages do not require complex equipment. A well-drained site with elevated ground is ideal. The cage should have an indoor and outdoor section. The indoor area should be 4m high, 4m wide, and 3m deep, with cement or brick flooring covered in 3–5 cm of sand. The outdoor area should be spacious (5m x 5m) and enclosed with wire mesh (22.5cm grid), with a height of 1.8–2m. Trees can be planted for shade in
Summer. The design ensures that the male’s tail does not touch the top net when displaying.
**4. Raising Young Peacocks**
**4.1 Environmental Conditions**
From hatching to 2 months old, young peacocks require a controlled environment. Brooding temperatures should start at 34°C and gradually decrease by 1°C per week until reaching 18–20°C. Humidity should remain between 60–70%, and proper ventilation is crucial. Young peacocks should also be exposed to sunlight to help them adapt to natural conditions. Their adult feather color develops in the second year, and the tail screen appears in the third year.
**4.2 Feeding Practices**
Young peacocks need nutrient-rich, easily digestible feed, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Initially, they are given water mixed with 0.01% potassium permanganate to help eliminate meconium. After 1–2 hours, they are fed full-price compound feed. Feedings should occur 5–6 times daily, gradually decreasing as they grow. A variety of feed, including layer chicken feed, insects, fish, and shrimp, is recommended.
**4.3 Lighting and Management**
For the first 3 days, use a 40W bulb placed 2 meters above the floor, providing 24-hour lighting. From day 4 to 20, reduce to a 25W bulb for 16 hours daily. Afterward, natural light is sufficient. Monitor the young peacocks closely for any signs of illness, and maintain cleanliness by regularly cleaning feeding areas and removing waste. Provide mat grass or sand to reduce stress and encourage growth.
**5. Adult Peacock Management**
**5.1 Breeding Period Care**
The breeding period lasts from February to August, when peacocks are in peak development. Maintain a consistent feeding schedule to establish a routine. Use barns with a density of 20–25 birds per 100 square meters. Provide vegetables, alfalfa, tender grass, carrots, and fruits.
**5.2 Laying Period Care**
After reaching maturity, peacocks increase their activity and appetite. Offer high-protein pelleted feed and allow free access to peas, mung beans, and hemp kernels. Increase fish meal and bone meal content during the laying period to support egg production. Ensure clean drinking water and consider adding antibiotics for disease prevention. Stocking density should be 6 birds per 50 square meters, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2 to 1:4. Set up nests, collect eggs regularly, and maintain hygiene by cleaning cages and feeding equipment weekly. Prevent aggression among males and ensure a quiet environment to support egg-laying.
**6. Disease Prevention**
Maintain strict sanitation practices. Sterilize sheds and equipment before introducing peacocks. Deworm every three months. Administer Newcastle disease vaccine via eye drops on day 7, and intramuscularly at 30 and 60 days of age. An annual inactivated Newcastle disease vaccine is also recommended. Regularly control pests and trim beaks and claws to prevent injuries.
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