Peafowl-feeding Myths

Myth: If peafowl eat uncooked rice, it can swell up in their throats or stomachs and kill them.

Fact: All types of birds eat uncooked rice in captivity and in the wild. Bobolinks, sometimes called "rice birds," are a good example. I've tried to feed my Peafowl leftover cooked rice with very little success. They usually wait until it is almost completely dried out before they consume it. While rice is okay for most birds, many wedding parties are now encouraged to throw bird seed instead, which helps many local species.

Myth: Peafowl can choke on peanut butter.
Fact: I have found no documented evidence for this. However, mixing peanut butter with grit or cornmeal will break up the stickiness if you are concerned. My peafowl enjoy a piece of toast with peanut butter spread over it. They started out to be very appreciative of bread at an early age. I shop at the bread thrift stores when I need lots of bread treats for my birds.

Myth: Peafowl become dependent on bird feeders.
Fact: Peafowl, like many other types of birds become accustomed to a reliable food source and will visit daily. However, these large birds search for food in many places, so if your feeder goes empty, most birds will find food elsewhere. During periods of extreme ice, snow, or cold, the sudden disappearance of food might be a hardship; if you are leaving town during freezing weather, consider having someone fill your feeder trays and dishes while you're away.

Myth: Peafowl's' feet can stick to metal perches.
Fact: This is not very likely. A peafowl's legs and feet are made up mostly of tough tendons that have little blood flow during cold weather. However, we've heard rumors of feet sticking to perches: if you observe this unfortunate circumstance, please take a picture and send it to www.howsyourbird.com.