If you are thinking about adding a peacock to your menagerie, it’s important to know just how to care for these colorful birds. While they aren’t exactly high maintenance, they do have needs and proper care is important, including the construction of a coop.
Peacock coop: One important part of a peacock’s habitat is a coop. This needs to be a large building, bigger than a chicken coop, to accommodate the massive tail feathers of a peacock. You can use an old shed or you can build your own coop. To build one, start in a shady corner of your yard. Dig holes for the posts and a trench for the siding. The siding should be deep enough in the ground that predators can’t dig under it. Finally, place a roof over the coop. You can opt for chicken wire in warmer climates or solid material in colder climates. While you can start your baby peachicks in a smaller chicken coop, around the age of one you will want to transition your peacocks to a much larger area as their feathers develop and grow larger.
What does a coop do?
First, let’s talk about what a coop does and why an animal would need it.
Coops are structures, usually made from wood, that give animals a sense of security. While animals can primarily use coops at night, they should be left open in case that animal wants to have more protection during the day.
At night, animals are especially vulnerable to predators, and peacocks need to be on the lookout for coyotes and foxes. Having a designated area where they can sleep will help them keep safe.
Although most coops are not insulated, if you live in a colder area, you may want to think more about this. In particular, peacocks are meant for tropical climates and if the weather dips below freezing, they will not be able to survive.
If you don’t have proper insulation, you will need to think about installing a heater during the cold winter months. You will also need a heater for peachicks as they are too small to keep themselves warm.
Do peacocks need a coop?
Yes, peacocks need a coop. They need a safe place to retreat if there are predators as well as a protected area in case of extreme weather.
Peacocks come from warm climates and while they are fine in the wild there, in captivity in Canada or the United States, the temperatures are simply not warm enough year-round.
Peacocks need a place to go to if it is raining out if it is snowing, and even if it is very sunny out. A coop can provide the protection it needs.
How big should a peacock coop be?
Please remember that peacocks are a lot larger than they may seem. While they are medium-sized birds when their tail feathers are down, as soon as they flair their tails, they become quite large.
Peacock tail feathers can be up to 5 feet in length and when fanned, can be 8 feet tall. It is important to provide a coop where peacocks can comfortably fan out their feathers.
On average, you will want a tall peacock coop. Think to build it at least 10 feet tall. Furthermore, you will want it wide, so it should be at least 8 feet across.
Another aspect that will determine how large your coop will be is if you have multiple peacocks. Just imagine multiple peacocks with their feathers all out, inside a tiny space.
Few Tips in Building a Peacock Coop
Select a space
Start by finding an area in your yard for your peacock coop. It should be in a corner to maximize space. Also, if you know you will have hot summers, it might be a better idea to build the coop in a shaded area.
Start with the posts
Mark your are with spray paint so you know where the building will be. In this stage, decide if you want a three-sided coop that is open or enclosed space for better protection.
Dig holes for the posts at each corner and then dig a trench between the posts.
Place the siding
You can use metal or wood at this stage. Remember that metal is not as insulating and the surface can get really hot in the summer.
Place the siding in the trench and then cover part of it with dirt. You don’t want there to be any gaps for predators to dig through.
Add a gate
Be sure to add a hinged gate to one side if it is an enclosed coop. This will allow you to easily corral your peacock and close it in at night.
Add a roof
If you live in a warmer climate, you can get away with using chicken wire at the top. However, if you live somewhere colder, you will want to install a solid roof to keep out rain and snow.
Can peacocks live in chicken coops?
When they are baby peachicks, you can definitely use a chicken coop for your peacocks. They start out roughly the same size as chickens and a chicken coop will be just fine.
However, once peacocks reach a year old, they should be transitioned into their own enclosure. At this age, peacocks will begin to grow their tail feathers and you want a larger space before their tails reach their final length.
Can peacocks live with chickens?
Peacocks need both a coop and a run. While they should have access to their own coop, they can indeed share a run with chickens.
The two types of birds actually get along quite well. They rarely fight over space or food and both animals are happy to peck away at the dirt, looking for a tasty snack of insects.
Conclusion
As more and more people are opting for peacocks in their hobby farms, there are many questions about how to care for these birds. One important part of their new habitat is a coop. This will provide protection from the elements and a safe space away from predators.
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