The animal world is full of different species, each with its usual characteristics and behaviors. Some thrive in the water, others in the air and there are also land animals.
When selecting a pet, its habitat does not matter. In reality, man is able to provide him with the conditions he needs so that he can live normally, while, at the same time, he enjoys his pleasant company.
Among the most common pets are cats, dogs, some types of birds and fish, hamsters, rabbits, etc. These are the pets that most people choose. However, the truth is that there are those who go beyond the conventional and dare to go further, by selecting an unusual or exotic pet, such as a snake, spiders, ants, etc.
One of the most beautiful animals that exist is the peacock. This singular bird has a characteristic plumage that is crowned with a beautiful tail that unfolds horizontally to offer a true visual spectacle to the human being.
Different colors and shapes can be seen on its tail; among the most common is the shape of a kind of eye, which is located at the tip of its tail feathers. This fantastic animal, which seems to be taken from a fairy tale, is admired by many and some have been lucky enough to have it as a pet.
If you want to have the opportunity to take care of a peacock, this post has been written for you. In it I will tell you everything you need to know about their care, which includes their diet, hygiene and place of refuge. All this, in order that the peacock can be in the best possible living conditions. Let’s see it now.
Instructions for caring for a peacock
The common peacock is the national bird of India. In addition, it is present throughout the world and is considered a symbol of elegance. In fact, it is possible to find it in Roman and Egyptian mythology, portrayed next to the goddess Juno and Isis, respectively, which denotes its importance and consecration since ancient times.
The male peacock has green and iridescent blue plumage, it has a crown of feathers on its head, its beak is gray, its head is blue with green cheeks, its eyes have no feathers around it, its legs are gray and its thighs are pale blue. Cream.
In relation to its tail, it is brown and its secondary feathers are golden with greenish blue spots and spots. Some don’t even have stains. However, they feature black crescents instead.
As for the female peacock, it weighs only about 4 kilos. Her plumage is in shades of brown and red, she has a white face and a small crown of feathers on her head. It has a metallic green color on the neck and some spots on the chest. Characteristics that make it look like a different species from the male.
They are generally calm in nature and can be found in wide-open locations such as farms and other rural settings. If you live in these conditions and want to have a peacock as a pet, it will be good for you to know what some of its basic care are, which the following are:
Build him a place where he can take refuge. This can be a pen or some other wooden shelter where he can rest and protect him from other animals, such as foxes, dogs, etc.
It should be noted that this space will also be where it will nest. Also, over time, the peacock could become a semi-wild animal. Therefore, it would be convenient for you to keep it in a closed area. This will also prevent it from getting too far away and getting lost.
- Feed it properly. If you are raising it as a chick, be sure to feed it a diet that is rich in protein for the first three months of life. However, as it grows, you should change its diet, as excess protein could end up causing deformities in its legs.
- After 3 months you should feed them game bird Of course, this transition must be gradual, that is, little by little. During this process, pay special attention to the behavior and response of the chicks. If they stop eating, you’ll need to go back to their previous protein-based diet.
- Keep a close eye on your health. If they remain caged, you should deworm them at least every two months. If you keep them in a pen, then you can do this once every three months.
- To do this, you can use a wide variety of products, most of which are intended for cats and dogs. However, if you have the possibility, look for a product for the specific use of birds.
- Take it to a veterinarian specialized in the care of exotic animals and keep it free of mites and lice, since these insects feed on the skin and the remains of the feathers of these birds. In case you observe the presence of these animals, treat it as soon as possible with an appropriate pesticide.
What do you need to take care of a peacock?
As expected, since the peacock is an exotic bird, it needs certain special conditions. To provide them you must have:
- A fresh and adequate space to build a cage or corral.
- A pen or cage that allows you to move with some freedom.
- High protein food.
- Granules for game birds.
- Clean water.
- Deformers for birds.
- An appropriate pesticide for animals.
- Advice from a veterinarian specialized in exotic animals.
Despite requiring certain special attention, there are not so many that you cannot cover. If you make an effort, you will be able to enjoy the pleasant company of a peacock on your personal farm. Now, what other recommendations should you take into account to ensure that you are in the best possible living conditions?
Tips for caring for a peacock
The peacock’s diet should not be limited to the cereals typical of the fattening diet; rather, it should be varied and balanced. In addition, you must provide clean and fresh water.
You must be very careful if you have other pets at home, as different confrontations could occur between them, which can end up damaging your peacock.
On the other hand, the degree of humidity that it needs to live healthily should not be too high. Therefore, you should pay close attention to the temperature of the place where they live because they tend to be very sensitive to cold.
If you are not careful, in this particular, your peacock could end up developing a zoonotic disease, such as tuberculosis or some other respiratory pathology. In turn, their joints may suffer or suffer from gastrointestinal infections.
If you take care of it in the right way, you will be able to enjoy the company of your peacock throughout its life expectancy, which is between 10 and 25 years. Enough time to establish a sincere friendship with your exotic, unique and very original pet.
Its reproduction
These birds are polygamous, which means that a male can copulate with 5 or 6 females during the breeding season, without establishing a relationship with any of the ones he fertilizes.
To attract the attention of the female, it unfolds its magnificent tail while it vocalizes or sings a song that can also be performed during and after copulation, this constitutes its courtship. The female usually lays 3 to 5 eggs in the nest, which will be incubated between 26 and 30 days.
After that time, the chicks break the shell and are able to move on their own. However, it will not be until they are 2 months old when they have been able to fully develop both their abilities and their body and they will acquire the shape they will have when they are adults.
