Peahens are captivating omnivorous birds with diverse eating habits. Their diet naturally includes both plant and animal matter, allowing them to thrive in various environments.
Peahen’s Natural Foraging
In natural habitats, peahens are opportunistic foragers, consuming a wide array of foods. Their plant-based diet includes wild grasses, seeds, grains, and fruits like figs, berries, papayas, bananas, and mangoes. They also eat fresh leaves and flower petals.
Beyond plant matter, peahens also eat animal protein. They consume insects such as ants, termites, crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, millipedes, centipedes, and worms. They also eat small vertebrates and invertebrates like lizards, small snakes, amphibians (frogs and salamanders), and even small rodents. Their strong beaks and talons help them dig for hidden food sources on the ground.
Feeding Domesticated Peahens
Domesticated peahens require a specialized diet to meet their nutritional needs. Commercial game bird feed, formulated with high protein (24-30%), is a primary food source. This feed provides a balanced nutrient profile, supporting their overall health and feather development. Avoid standard chicken layer pellets, which have too much calcium for peafowl and lack sufficient protein.
Supplements are important for domesticated peahen health. Insoluble grit aids digestion by grinding food in their gizzard. Laying peahens need additional calcium, like oyster shell, for strong eggshells. Safe treats can also enrich their diet, including:
Fruits: grapes, melons, berries
Vegetables: leafy greens, peas, carrots, squash
Cooked grains: corn, wheat, oats (in moderation)
Avoid certain harmful foods, such as chocolate, avocado, uncooked beans, caffeine, or excessive salt. Onions, garlic, fruit pits and seeds (e.g., from apples or cherries), and green parts of potatoes and tomatoes are toxic. Also exclude processed human foods and dairy products.
Dietary Adaptations
A peahen’s diet adapts to seasonal changes in food availability. During spring and summer, they eat more insects and fresh plants. Fall brings more berries and fruits, while winter increases reliance on seeds, grains, and hardier vegetation. Domesticated peahens may require supplemental feeding during colder months when natural foraging opportunities are limited.
Dietary needs also vary by life stage and reproductive cycle. Growing peachicks require higher protein. During breeding and molting, peahens benefit from increased protein for egg production and feather regeneration. Geographical differences also influence their natural diet based on regional habitat.