I am always needing pen space. Things get especially tight right after hatching. Pens and cages that are too crowded encourage feather pecking. This will eventually cause bleeding, which seems to encourage more pecking, and even death if not stopped. For some reason, it seems that dark birds will more likely peck on light feathered birds.

Some breeders have good luck putting Styrofoam, feathers, or other distractions in the pens, but our peafowl have not been interested in these.

I have found that a few squirts of Blue Lotion on the damaged area will stop the others from pecking and will also help in the healing process. The other peafowl seem to be frightened of this color on the bird and most often will completely avoid the treated patient.

This is the lotion used for wounds on hogs, cattle, horses, and other livestock. It is available in most feed stores or through veterinary catalog supply companies.

First time users should be aware that it makes a long lasting stain on everything it touches. I had some Cameo peafowl in a pen and one day found a very pretty purple feather. Thinking some interesting genetics were going on, I searched for the source. Then I remembered that some time way back, one of the birds had been treated with blue lotion. It also stays well on your skin and on your clothes.

You might give this remedy a try and let me know your thoughts.

George Conner

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