Hobbies And Interests
Habitat
Peacocks have been kept as pets for thousands of years and can live to be 20 years old if cared for properly. A pen with room to roam and a safe shelter are very important. Wild peacocks mostly live in dry savanna or desert area but have been known to live in forests during their breeding season. Peacocks like to roost in the trees at night. Due to habitat loss, some breeds of peacock are seeing drops in population.
Diet
Domesticated peacocks are fed a diet of wheat, cracked corn, vegetables and feed made specifically for game birds. A wild peacock is an omnivore, with a diet that consists mainly of plants and insects. Peacocks have also been known to eat small amphibians and reptiles when they find them to supplement their diet and get all the necessary nutrients. Since peacocks are ground feeders, they hunt for their meals in shallow waters and grassy areas.
Size
Peacocks vary in size but most males grow to an average of eight to 13 lbs. The body of a male peacock is approximately 35 to 50 inches. A long tail on the male peacock can grow to an average length of 5 feet and is used in mating and courtship. Compared to the height of an average size man, a male peacock stands around waist high. The male peacock is one of the largest flying birds in the world. Female peacocks, known as peahens are about half the size of the male peacock.
Mating
Male peacocks often mate with up to six female peahens during one mating season. The male will flare out his feathers and produce a high-pitched call to attract peahens. After mating, each hen lays four to eight eggs and sits on them to incubate them. A peahen will often lay her eggs in a grassy, out-of-the way area to help protect them. In approximately one month, the eggs begin to hatch and the peahen cares for the chicks on her own, without help from the peacock.