When you think of majestic animals, peacocks likely come to mind. They’re one of the most stunning birds in the world, their spread tail feathers being a sight to behold. While you’ll usually see them in the wild, it’s not uncommon to stumble upon one in someone’s backyard. It may be unconventional, but you actually can own a peacock for a pet.
However, before you rush to buy one, you should first learn the basics of peacock ownership, including the most important thing— how much do peacocks cost?
Peacocks: An Introduction
So, how much do peacocks cost? Hold your horses! Before we start talking prices, first, we need to do a crash course on peacocks and their history. And what a history it is.
These majestic birds belong to the Pheasant family, but only the male of the species are called Peacocks. Females are called Peahen, the babies are Peachicks, while the species as a whole are called Peafowl.
To make things even more confusing, only the males have the iconic colorful tails the birds are known for. Females are much less impressive, with more muted, grey-brown, or greyish-yellow feathers and a small, simple tail. The reason why such a discrepancy exists is that the males use their feathers for sexual display to impress potential mates.
Peahens select their partners based on the size, color, and feather train quality. Therefore, Peacocks compete viciously to have the largest and most breathtaking plumage, so that they can win over the ladies. During the January-September mating season, they display these feathers in a complex dance ritual.
Peafowls hatch after a 30 day incubation period. On average, they’ll spend a few months with their mom, learning to feed, groom themselves, and communicate with other peacocks. Females will reach maturity after about a year, while males will become sexually active after about 3 years.
However, both sexes have an incredibly long lifespan. In the wild, peacocks can live for around 20 years, depending on climate and food availability. In captivity, they can live for over 40 years. That’s practically half of a human lifespan right there. So if you decide to get a pet peacock, know that you will be making a lifetime commitment.
How Much do Peacocks Cost: Price Ranges For Different Types
While peacocks go through more or less the same lifecycle, they aren’t all exactly the same. Namely, there are actually several different types of Peafowl breeds. Each of them will have small differences in their behavior, gait, and most notably plumage.
1. Indian Peafowl
Also known as the Common peacock, this breed is pretty much the standard peacock we’re all familiar with. The Indian Blue, as its name suggests, is native to the Indian subcontinent, more specifically Sri Lanka.
The breed has a long history with humans, and it was actually a favorite pet among Indian nobility for thousands of years. When looking at how much these peacocks cost, this breed is the cheapest one. The bird goes for anywhere between $50-$75.
2. Green Peafowl
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The second most common type of peacock, the Green Peacock is native to the Java and Myanmar regions of the Indian subcontinent. Unlike its blue cousin, the Javanese peacock has a green head and neck, and slightly more muted tail feathers.
They also have a distinctive fan-shaped crest above their heads, with a slight green tinge to it. Comparing how much these peacocks cost, this breed isn’t for those on a budget. A purebred Javanese peacock can go for a mind-boggling $2000!
3. Black Shoulder Peafowl
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Now we’re moving into hybrid territory. This breathtaking variety is actually an offshoot of the Indian Blue. but, unlike the Indian blue, its shoulder area is a deep smoky grey or black. Much like the standard Indian Blue, Black Shoulder Peacocks are fairly common in the US. Therefore, when looking at how much this peacock costs, you’ll be surprised to find that the breed is quite affordable, going for $50-$100.
4. Pied Peafowl
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The Pied peacock is one of the most beautiful varieties out there. This baby is a result of a pattern mutation in the Indian Blue breed. Instead of the blue feathers on its neck and shoulders, the Pied peacock has white feathers. It can have just one or two white feathers or its coat can be 30-50% white.
In terms of how much this peacock costs, the color ratios are what matters. Depending on the amount of white the peacock has, it can go for $175-$250.
5. Spalding Peafowl
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Entirely US-based, the Spalding Peafowl was named after its creator, the late Mrs. Spalding of California. It’s a cross between the Indian Blue and the Green Peacock. As a result, this bad boy has quite the color pattern. It has a splash of both green and blue in its shoulders and neck.
However, the color ratio and patterns will depend on the genetic makeup of the parents. This breed will also be slightly taller than both the Indian Blue and Green peacock. Because the variety is native to the US, it’s quite affordable. This variety can cost between $75-$125.
6. White Peafowl
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Have you ever wondered what a peacock would look like without its distinctive colors? Well, you don’t have to wonder anymore. Meet the white peacock. This stunning bird has the crest and tail fan of the Indian Blue, except all its feathers are completely white. It’s so breathtaking that when you see it, you will surely think that it’s a mythical creature of some kind.
It’s also incredibly rare, which in turn means that it’s very expensive. If you’re set on getting a white peacock for yourself, then be prepared to shell out anywhere between $200-$250.
Additional Costs
If you think that just buying a peacock is where your spending will end, think again. Keeping a pet peacock is also very pricey, as they require quite a few things to live a healthy and happy life.
• Proper food: Unlike chickens, peacocks aren’t grazing animals. This means you will have to buy their food from the market. Peacocks are omnivorous and need corn, fruit, nuts, worms, reptiles, ants, crickets, and wheat to stay healthy. Keeping a regular supply of these food items will cost you around $20-$30 a month.
• Housing costs: Possibly the biggest cost of peacock ownership is housing. Most owners prefer to keep their peacocks in a cage. A 16-foot tall cage is ideal since it will allow the bird to move around and spread its train. What’s more, peacocks need a place to roam to stay healthy. Therefore, you should only keep these birds if you have a large backyard or a large enclosure.
• Medical care: The biggest advantage of a pet peacock is that it’s a very healthy bird that rarely falls sick. If you feed them a healthy diet and let them roam, then you likely won’t have to take them to the vet for years. However, if you’re getting an egg or a juvenile peafowl, then you’ll likely need to invest in parasite treatments.
Most of the time, breeders are the ones who handle deworming and external parasite treatments, but if the bird you’re getting is fairly young, then you might have to do that yourself.
And since a peacock isn’t a common pet, this can cost you hundreds if not thousands of dollars.
• Various other costs: Besides the basic necessities, peacock ownership has quite a few hidden costs too. Things like snacks and training fees can all add up to your bill if you decided on this exotic pet. While peacocks are very friendly to those they’re familiar with, getting them to trust you will take time and effort. Sometimes, you might even need to hire a professional to help you bond, which won’t come cheap.
Where to Buy Peacocks
If you’re still dead-set on getting a pet peacock, then your next step is figuring out where to buy one. Much like with every other animal, you should only get peacocks from reputable breeders. This will ensure you get a bird that is both healthy and well cared for.
Local breeders are your best bet. Because of health reasons and shipping costs, buying from a breeder that isn’t in your area may end up costing you much more in medical bills. However, if you can’t find a trustworthy breeder in your vicinity, you should set aside another $100 so that the breeder can board and ship your new pet to you.
Alternatively, you can purchase a peacock egg. They go for about $40, but when you add insurance and shipping costs, the total will amount to around $50. Yet this option is risky too since the chick can end up dying before it even gets to you.
