Peafowl: A Hobby Farmer’s Delight – Rivers Critters Ranch

Indian Blue Peacock (c) Rivers Critters Ranch

At Rivers Critters Ranch, we’ve been raising peafowl, like the stunning Indian Blue Peacock, for over 25 years as part of our hobby farming passion. These beautiful birds bring joy and utility to our Hamburg, MN farm. Discover why peafowl are a perfect addition to your homestead and how to care for them with organic nutrition from RCR Organic Feed Store, our trusted source for MOSA-certified feeds and grains.

Why Peafowl?

Peafowl, with their iridescent feathers and regal presence, are a highlight of hobby farming at Rivers Critters Ranch. Here’s why we love them:

  • Stunning Beauty: The Indian Blue Peacock’s vibrant tail feathers create a breathtaking display, especially during mating season, making your farm a visual masterpiece.
  • Natural Watch Birds: Peafowl are alert and vocal, sounding off to warn of predators, visitors, or unusual activity, adding a layer of security to your homestead.
  • Low-Maintenance Charm: Compared to other livestock, peafowl are relatively easy to care for, thriving in open spaces with minimal daily upkeep, ideal for busy hobby farmers.
  • Community Connection: Their striking appearance draws neighbors and visitors, sparking conversations and building a sense of farm community, a hallmark of our Rivers Critters Ranch experience.
  • Sustainable Joy: Raising peafowl aligns with our commitment to sustainable, organic farming, using high-quality feeds to keep them healthy and vibrant.

Peafowl Facts

Peafowl are more than just pretty feathers—here are some fascinating facts to inspire your hobby farming journey:

  • Species Diversity: Peafowl include peacocks (males) and peahens (females), with the Indian Blue Peacock being the most common, known for its blue-green plumage.
  • Long Lifespan: With proper care, peafowl can live 15–20 years, making them long-term companions on your farm.
  • Tail Feathers: A peacock’s tail can span up to 6 feet, with “eye” patterns that dazzle during courtship displays.
  • Omnivorous Diet: Peafowl eat grains, insects, and plants, thriving on a varied diet that our organic feeds and grains support.
  • Vocal Nature: Their loud calls, often heard at dawn or dusk, make them excellent watch birds but may require considerate placement away from neighbors.

Feeding Peafowl for Vibrant Health

To keep your peafowl thriving, we rely on organic, non-GMO feeds from RCR Organic Feed Store, crafted with MOSA Certified Organic Grains. Here’s our Rivers Critters Ranch feeding guide:

  • Chicks (0-8 weeks): Organic Chick Starter 20% Ground, 1 oz/day per chick (3.5 lbs over 8 weeks). Builds strong foundations for growth and feathers.
  • Juveniles (9-24 weeks): Organic Poultry Grower 18% Ground, 2 oz/day (11.2 lbs over 16 weeks). Supports bone and plumage development.
  • Adults (25+ weeks): Organic Layer Feed 17% Ground or Game Bird Feed, 2.5 oz/day (130 lbs/year per bird). Maintains health and feather brilliance.
  • Treats: Offer organic whole grains (e.g., corn, oats, barley) sparingly and grit for digestion. Ensure constant access to fresh, clean water.
  • Tip: Transition feeds gradually over 1-2 weeks to prevent digestive issues.

Peafowl Care Tips

  • Housing: Provide a spacious pen with high perches to protect tail feathers and shelter from wind, rain, or snow.
  • Enrichment: Scatter organic grains like flax seed or wheat to encourage foraging, keeping peafowl active and engaged.
  • Health: Check for parasites regularly and maintain clean water to support digestion and feather quality.
  • Community: Share your peafowl experiences with fellow hobby farmers—visit our Smiles from the Barn series ( https://www.rcrorganicfeedstore.com/smilesfromthebarn) for farm stories.

Shop Organic Feeds at RCR

  • While we raise our peafowl at Rivers Critters Ranch, we trust RCR Organic Feed Store for their MOSA-certified feeds to keep our birds healthy.

Beyond Peafowl: Feed Your Farm

RCR Organic Feed Store supports hobby farmers with organic feeds for goats, sheep, horses, llamas, alpacas, hogs, pigs, cows, and more, plus grains like oats, wheat, and barley. Browse their store ( https://www.rcrorganicfeedstore.com/store) for all your farm’s needs.

Helpful Resources