Peacocks are considered to be among the most beautiful birds on the planet. In the world there are only a few species, but the frequently occurring breed - the white peacock deserves special attention.
Description and external data
According to the classification of scientists, the white variety of the usual peacock belongs, like everyone else, to the Fazanov family, the order of the Curonidae.
Life expectancy is two decades. Blue-eyed birds have a rather large structure: the male's body length varies from 1 to 1.25 m, its weight is up to 5 kg, the tail size is up to half a meter, the luxurious feathers of the nadhvost can reach 1.7 m. The blue-eyed female (pea) has smaller dimensions . Despite the short wings pressed to the body, the white peacock can fly well, and its short legs do not interfere with active movement in any territory.
In many countries, this breed of birds is considered royal for their truly beautiful view: the small head is crowned with an amusing tuft resembling a crown, the male has, like the female, a snow-white plumage, but on its tail feathers one can notice the mild outlines of the eyes inherent in the multicolored bird species.
Did you know? In Hinduism, the peacock is considered a sacred bird, and is also a national symbol of India and Iran.
Habitat
The birthplace of white peacocks is considered to be ancient India. To date, the breed is widespread, and now its representatives live in the natural conditions of Pakistan, China, Nepal, Thailand and even Africa.
Mostly birds grow roots in overgrown shrub zones on the river coasts, in woodlands and jungles. Also love to be located on the mountainside overgrown with grass and trees.
We advise you to find out what peacocks are, how to breed peacocks at home and how to feed them
Lifestyles and habits of birds in their natural environment
White peacocks live in small flocks. In the daytime they are awake, walking over land, closer to the night - they take off and are high in the trees in order not to become prey to predators. Their behavior can be basically described as modest and calm, but the mood can change dramatically due to the approach of a thunderstorm - then the birds begin to noticeably nervous and shrill screaming, warning of possible impending danger.
Diet in the wild
In their natural environment, white peacocks prefer to eat plant and animal food: berries, fruits and roots of plants, nuts, small fruits, insects, and even small snakes.
Did you know? In the East, peacocks are considered a symbol of pride and immortality, in our culture they personify narcissism and pride.
Mating games
From about two and three years old, birds become capable of breeding. The period of “marriage games” itself begins in mid-April and may continue until September. His offensive is characterized by the rivalry of males and "battles" for the attention of females. After individuals of both sexes are left alone, the male dissolves his tail and waits for a special “signal” from the female.
For the entire mating season, the shepherd is able to sit through three clutches, laying four to ten eggs at a time, which are just on the ground. Chicks appear in a month and are growing rapidly, in three weeks you can determine the sex of newborn birds.
Ornamental chickens, pet birds, peacock pheasant pheasants, mandarin ducks, guinea fowl, quails, wild geese have excellent decorative qualities.
Captivity
To the great joy of breeders, the maintenance of white peacocks is not problematic. Birds are very unpretentious in care. And even despite its southern origin, it is easy to adapt to the conditions of the middle belt. However, taking care of the future housing and nutrition, necessary for their health and longevity, is still desirable.
Important! If a potential breeder decided to breed peacocks, the bird family in a prepared aviary must consist of 1 male and 3-5 females.
Aviary requirements
As a comfortable "house" for birds, a self-constructed aviary will completely come off, the length and height of which should be, respectively, not less than 5 m and 3 m. It is imperative to observe this height, since peacocks are usually roosted one and a half meters from the ground.
Inside the enclosure should be equipped with a bath with ashes, as well as a comfortable water bottle, always filled with clean water.
A few more important rules for care:
- the enclosure should be kept clean and well ventilated as necessary;
- feeders and drinkers are disinfected weekly;
- Do not expose birds to unnecessary stress: exclude loud music, crashing, repair work, etc .;
- leave the lighting indoors (especially in the winter season) for at least 15 hours, for which special fluorescent lamps are well suited.
Neighborhood with chickens and pheasants
It is not recommended to subdivide other peacocks of white birds (even “relatives” - chickens and pheasants). Possessing a selfish disposition, they can, at best, inflict a fierce fight, at worst - beat the neighbors to death.
In addition to chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys at home are increasingly breeding exotic birds - pheasants, ostriches, quails, guinea fowls.
What to feed
In captivity, birds can be fed the same food as all chicken-like: root crops, millet and barley. Millet must be carefully sifted and then washed. Sometimes it is desirable to enrich the diet of birds with particularly useful, germinated grains and some "dishes":
- boiled potatoes with greens;
- pureed vegetables;
- dry bread;
- boiled cereals;
- hay flour.
Important! During the breeding and molting period, peacocks should be transferred to three meals a day. 200 g of grain and 400 g of greens should be calculated per individual per day.
As noted above, caring for white peacocks does not give breeders (and just lovers) any special difficulties, and, in addition to the basic rules of care, birds must be treated responsibly and with love, then they, being in a good mood, will please the owners with their beauty , health and offspring.
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