Expert: Julia Booth - 8/4/2008

Question
We've been considering getting some guinea fowl for insect control in our yard.  But I'm wondering if peafowl would be good for this.  I don't want chickens because I have flower beds I don't want destroyed by their scratching.

Answer
With any kind of game birds (Quail, Grouse, Ducks, Geese, Chickens etc) you're going to have some degree of damage done to your yard. The reason being that scratching is how they find their food. Their feet are specifically designed just for that purpose.

They will control the insect population, but not without risk of damage to other plants. Any fruit or veggies are subject to being eaten as well.

If you are going to get peafowl -I'd get the peahen like you said. The males can be quite disruptive during breeding season. The females are quiet.

This website gives instructions for care: http://www.bowspeafowlfarm.com/home.html

I think they also have an e-mail for specific questions.

Good Luck!

Julia