 by MC Kauffman December 13, 2002
The male bird, called the peacock, is the most colorful with the very large tail. The female bird, called the peahen, is not as brightly colored and has a much smaller fan-tail. Unlike the peacock who frequently dances and shows off his very large colorful fan, rarely will the peahen fan her tail. A peacock has his first large fan-tail when he is three years old and a peahen is mature and able to lay eggs when she reaches the age of two. Peafowl are meat eaters and are famous and prized for catching cobras. Since there are no cobras or snakes in Ketchikan, the peafowl are provided liver which they appear to enjoy. They also consume large amounts of fresh leafy vegetables daily as well as sunflower seeds and blueberries. They also enjoy watermelons and earthworms. With the unique climate of Ketchikan, these very large birds are provided warm, indoor housing designed specially for them. These exotic and intelligent birds favor dry conditions and will venture out to roam the yard on sunny days. The peafowl - especially the peacocks - enjoy flying up on a roof and kaku-ing which attracts the attention of local ravens. The local ravens and the peacocks will often "chatter" - displaying similar vocal sounds. As mystical birds perhaps they are sharing their secrets of the universe. Unless you can provide special care, peafowl would not be recommended as pets for Ketchikan.
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