Introduction
Raising peachicks can be a rewarding and fulfilling endeavour for peafowl enthusiasts. However, to ensure the healthy development of these delicate birds, it is essential to provide proper care, including appropriate feeding and temperature control. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different stages of raising peachicks, highlighting key considerations for feed and temperature management.

Stage 1: Brooding Period
During the first few weeks of life, peachicks require a controlled environment to mimic the warmth and protection provided by their mother. Maintaining an optimal brooding temperature is crucial for their survival and healthy growth. Set the brooder temperature at around 35°C for the first week, gradually reducing it by 2.8°C each week until reaching ambient temperature.

Feeding peachicks during the brooding period is relatively straightforward. A high-quality commercial super fine game chick starter feed containing around 28-30% protein is ideal. The feed needs to finely ground to facilitate digestion for the first two weeks. Offer the feed in shallow dishes or sprinkle it on clean paper towels to ensure easy access for the peachicks.After two weeks the chicks can move onto Game chick crumb which is slightly larger composition.

Stage 2: Transition to Grower Feed
Around 6 to 8 weeks of age, peachicks can transition to a grower feed specially formulated for their needs. The protein content in the grower feed should be reduced to approximately 20-22%. Gradually mix the new feed with the chick starter over a period of 7-10 days, increasing the proportion of the grower feed while decreasing the starter feed.

Stage 3: Transition to Adult Feed
Once peachicks reach approximately 12 weeks of age, it is time to introduce them to adult poultry feed. Adult game feed typically contains around 16-18% protein, which is suitable for their long-term growth and development. Like the previous transition, gradually mix the adult feed with the grower feed over a week or two, until the peachicks are fully transitioned to the adult feed.

It’s important to provide a balanced diet for your peachicks, so consider supplementing their feed with fresh greens, chopped fruits, and vegetables to promote their overall health and well-being. Additionally, always ensure a constant supply of clean, fresh water.

Temperature Adjustments
As peachicks grow, their ability to regulate body temperature improves. Gradually decrease the brooder temperature by 5°F (2.8°C) per week until reaching the ambient temperature. This slow adjustment allows the peachicks to adapt to the changing conditions without experiencing thermal stress.

Monitoring the peachicks’ behavior is crucial to determine if the temperature is suitable. If they huddle together under the heat source, they may be too cold. On the other hand, if they are panting, avoiding the heat, or seeking cooler areas, the temperature might be too high. Adjust the heat source or brooder temperature accordingly to maintain a comfortable environment.

Conclusion:
Raising peachicks requires careful attention to feed and temperature management to ensure their healthy growth and development. Understanding the different stages of feed transition, from brooding to adulthood, allows you to provide the necessary nutrition at each phase. Similarly, adjusting the temperature gradually helps peachicks acclimate to their environment without causing stress. By following these guidelines and regularly monitoring your peachicks, you’ll be on your way to successfully raising these beautiful birds. Remember, a healthy and thriving flock of peachicks is the ultimate reward for your dedication and care.

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Read more: Raising Peachicks A Comprehensive Guide to Feed and Temperature Management