Peacocks are brightly colored, ornate birds known for their iridescent tail feathers that fan out in a distinctive train. The adult male peacock is called a peacock, while the adult female is called a peahen. Baby peacocks, called peachicks, look quite different from their regal parents. Newly hatched peachicks have soft, fuzzy down and lack the long, colorful tail feathers. Over time, they develop adult plumage and grow their impressive trains. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what baby peacocks look like, their unique characteristics, and how they grow and develop into adulthood.
What do newly hatched peachicks look like?
Peachicks hatch from eggs after an incubation period of around 28 days. They have soft, fluffy down made up of pale gray feathers. Their feet and legs are a pinkish color. When they first hatch, their eyes are closed and they lack the eye-spotted train feathers that adult peacocks are so famous for. They may have a small stub where the train will eventually grow in.
Some key facts about newborn peachicks:
- Covered in gray downy feathers
- No long ornamental tail feathers yet
- Eyes are closed at birth
- Legs/feet are pinkish
- Make high-pitched cheeping noises
- Weigh 25-40 grams at birth
Overall, freshly hatched peachicks look like fluffy little chicks, not the dazzling birds they will mature into. But they are born equipped with everything they need to survive their vulnerable first few weeks.
Appearance Differences Between Male and Female Peachicks
At hatching, male and female peachicks look almost identical and can be very difficult to tell apart. However, there are a few subtle differences:
Male Peachicks | Female Peachicks |
---|---|
Slightly larger size | Smaller size |
More yellow/green down | Paler gray down |
Darker eyes | Lighter eyes |
These differences are quite subtle though and DNA or vent sexing may be required for accurate gender identification. After a few months, males start to develop darker plumage and ornamental feathers making sex differences more apparent.
How do peachicks change and grow over time?
Peachicks grow and change rapidly in their first few months of life. Here’s an overview of their development:
1-2 weeks
In the first couple weeks after hatching:
- Eyes open (vision develops)
- Start to walk around
- Downy feathers grow to provide insulation
- Able to self-regulate body temperature
- Become more active and explore environment
1-2 months
By 1-2 months old:
- Covered in juvenile plumage
- Resemble adult peafowl with feathered wings
- Tail stub has grown longer
- Able to practice short flights
- Forage alongside parents to find food
- Males may start to show iris color change
3-4 months
Between 3-4 months of age:
- Males develop pointed feather caps (“spikes”) on their heads
- Darker green and purple iridescent feathers emerge
- Train feathers start growing longer
- Gain independence from parents
5-6 months
At 5-6 months old:
- Resemble subadult peafowl
- Longer tail with ornamental ocelli “eyes”
- Males have red iris color
- Females gain white undertail coverts
- Have juvenile vocalizations & displays
When do peachicks develop adult plumage?
Peacocks do not achieve their full adult plumage until they reach sexual maturity between 2-3 years old. The transformation to adulthood happens gradually:
- 6-12 months – Tail feathers grow over a meter long; males look like subadult versions of peacocks
- 1-2 years – Tail approaches full length; males develop ornate train feathers
- 2-3 years – Fully mature plumage; vibrant colors; elaborate tail feathers spanning up to 6 feet
So while peachicks gain their basic adult feathers within several months, it takes years for them to grow the grand plumage of a fully mature peacock. The wait is worth it though!
What do baby peahens look like?
Female peachicks (baby peahens) look very similar to males when newly hatched. Their downy plumage is fluffy and gray. Over time, peahens develop more subtle brown and green feathering compared to the flashy iridescent colors of males. They lack the long, ornamental tail feathers of peacocks.
Some key facts about baby peahens:
- Same gray down as males when born
- Paler brown/tan juvenile plumage
- Short plain tail; no ocelli “eyes” on feathers
- White undertail coverts at 4-6 months old
- Fully mature around 2-3 years old
- Lack vibrant colors and long trains
While not as brightly colored, peahens have an elegant beauty. Their brown and green plumage provides camouflage while nesting and blends into the natural landscape.
Do baby peacocks eat different food than adults?
Peachicks have different dietary requirements than mature peafowl and need high protein foods to support their rapid growth and development. Here is a comparison of peachick and adult peacock diets:
Peachick Diet
- Insects and bugs – Provides needed protein
- Finely chopped greens – Easy to digest
- Starter poultry feed – Formulated for baby birds
- Chopped hard boiled eggs – Nutrient rich
- Berries, fruits – For vitamins
- Grit – Aids digestion
Adult Peacock Diet
- Insects and bugs
- Seeds and grain
- Fruits and berries
- Greens, vegetables, salad
- Poultry pellets/feed
- Grit
So while adults can tolerate a wide range of foods, peachicks do best on a high protein diet of bugs, chopped greens, and starter feed. Parents show peachicks what foods to eat in the wild. Providing the right nutrition helps ensure healthy growth.
What should you feed baby peacocks?
Here are some of the best foods to feed growing peachicks:
Insects
Crickets, mealworms, earthworms. Provides needed protein, fat, and nutrients. Can be purchased dried or live.
Greens
Kale, lettuce, spinach, swiss chard. Chop finely. Provides vitamins and folate.
Starter Feed
Chick starter feed or game bird feed. Formulated with peas, grains, and nutrients for baby birds.
Fruit
Chopped berries, grapes, melon, apple. Provides natural sugars and nutrients.
Eggs
Hard boiled egg yolks provide protein. Cook eggs to prevent salmonella risk.
Grit
Crushed oyster shell aids digestion. Supports bone health.
Feed peachicks 2-3 small meals a day. Keep food and water clean and watch for signs of dehydration. Consult an avian vet if any concerns. With proper nutrition, peachicks will grow into vibrant, healthy peacocks!
How can you tell if a baby peacock is healthy?
Watching for certain signs can help you assess if peachicks are healthy as they grow:
Appearance
- Bright, alert eyes
- Smooth, well-groomed feathers
- Strong, upright stance
- Clear nostrils and beak
- No limping or difficulties walking
Behavior
- Actively foraging for food
- Strong flight as they grow
- Interest in socializing and exploring
- Normal vocalizations
- Preening and bathing
Droppings
- Normal white/brown urates present
- Portion sizes and consistency okay
- Minimal foul odor
Seeing your peachicks thriving, growing, and hitting milestones are great signs of health. Contact a vet if you observe lethargy, weakness, weight loss, injuries, or other abnormalities. With good care, baby peacocks transition smoothly into their spectacular adult forms!
What health problems do baby peacocks face?
Like all young birds, peachicks are vulnerable to certain health issues in their early lives. Some common health problems include:
Bacterial Infections
Salmonella, E. coli, and other bacteria can cause illness. Maintain clean housing and food/water.
Parasites
Roundworms, tapeworms, and coccidia. De-worm regularly.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Lack of vitamins A, D3, E can cause issues. Use supplementation if needed.
Cardiac Problems
Birth defects like twisted neck syndrome. Supportive care required.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Peachicks are prone to diarrhea, constipation, and crop impaction.
Respiratory Illness
Aspergillosis, mycoplasma infection. Improve ventilation.
Predators
Foxes, raptors, rats, cats. Use secure housing and runs.
Prompt veterinary care for any symptoms can help get peachicks back to thriving. With attentive owners, health risks can be minimized.
Do baby peacocks sleep differently than adult peacocks?
Yes, there are some differences in the sleep patterns of developing peachicks versus mature peafowl:
Peachicks | Adult Peacocks |
---|---|
Sleep more overall: 16-18 hours | Less total sleep: 4-6 hours |
Take frequent daytime naps | Most sleep at night |
Sleep close together for warmth | Can sleep alone |
May vocalize softly at night | Quiet at night |
Key facts:
- Peachicks sleep more due to growth needs
- Peachicks take cat naps; adults have consolidated overnight sleep
- Social grouping while sleeping declines with maturity
Understanding normal peachick sleep patterns allows owners to provide restful environments. As they mature, sleep behaviors come to resemble adult peafowl.
Conclusion
In summary, newly hatched peachicks look like fluffy gray chicks, quite unlike the dazzling peacocks they will eventually become. Over the first few months, they rapidly gain juvenile plumage with peachicks starting to show some color differences from peahens. Full adult breeding plumage emerges between 2-3 years as peachicks grow long ornamental tail feathers. With a healthy high protein diet, proper housing, and attentive care, peachicks thrive through each stage of development on their way to peacock adulthood. While a lot of patience is required, the reward of seeing peachicks transform into their regal final form makes it all worthwhile!