Peacock prices range from $25 to $500 for a bird, depending on age, color variety, and whether you buy from a breeder or a farm

A young peafowl (chick or juvenile) costs $25 to $75 from most breeders. An adult bird in standard blue coloring runs $50 to $200. Rare color mutations—white peacocks, spalding hybrids, or Indian black-shouldered varieties—can cost $200 to $500 or more. Prices also depend on the bird's sex; males (peacocks) with full tail displays cost more than females (peahens), which are smaller and less ornamental.

Where you buy matters. Private breeders and peafowl farms usually offer the lowest prices and can tell you the bird's age and health history. Online marketplaces and classified ads sometimes list cheaper birds, but you have no recourse if the bird arrives sick or dies within days. Zoos and sanctuaries rarely sell birds to the public. Shipping costs $50 to $150 extra if the breeder is not local, and many will not ship chicks because they are fragile.

Key Takeaways

  • Chicks cost $25 to $75; adult birds run $50 to $200 depending on color and sex.
  • Rare color varieties like white or spalding peacocks cost $200 to $500.
  • Private breeders offer better prices and health information than online resellers.
  • Shipping adds $50 to $150 and is not always available for young chicks.
  • Peacocks require large outdoor space, predator-proof housing, and ongoing feed costs that often exceed the purchase price.

What affects the price of a peacock

Age is the biggest price driver. A day-old chick costs $25 to $40 because it requires specialized heat lamps and feeding for weeks before it can live outdoors. A 3- to 6-month-old juvenile costs $40 to $100 because it is past the fragile stage but not yet fully grown. An adult bird (18 months or older) costs $75 to $200 because it is ready to breed or display when ready.

Color variety changes the price significantly. Indian blue peacocks (the most common type) are the cheapest. White peacocks, which lack the iridescent coloring, cost $150 to $300 because they are rarer and bred selectively. Spalding hybrids (a cross between Indian and green peafowl) run $200 to $400. Pied, opal, and midnight varieties fall in the $150 to $250 range. Breeders charge more for these because they require years of selective breeding and produce fewer offspring.

Sex matters for price. Males (peacocks) with full tail plumage cost more because they are the ornamental birds people want to display. Females (peahens) cost 20 to 40 percent less because they are smaller, duller, and less visually striking. If you want a breeding pair, expect to pay for one male at full price and one female at a discount.

Where to find peacocks for sale

Private breeders are your most reliable source. Search online for "peafowl breeder" plus your state name. Most breeders maintain websites or Facebook pages showing their birds, their color lines, and their prices. They can answer questions about the bird's parents, health history, and temperament. Many will hold a bird for you if you put down a deposit. Breeders also typically offer a health may provide—usually 24 to 48 hours—meaning you can return a bird that arrives dead or visibly ill.

Peafowl farms and hatcheries sell in bulk and sometimes offer lower per-bird prices if you buy multiple chicks. They focus on production rather than rare colors, so expect standard blue or green varieties. Farms are good if you want several birds for a flock but less helpful if you want a specific color or have questions about individual birds.

Online classified sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Backpage sometimes list peacocks. Prices can be lower, but you have no protection if the bird is sick, misrepresented, or dies shortly after purchase. Always ask for photos, health records, and the bird's age before meeting. Meet in person if possible so you can see the bird's condition and ask the seller directly about its history.

Poultry auctions and farm sales occasionally have peacocks, usually at lower prices because the seller is liquidating. These are risky; you cannot inspect the bird beforehand, and you have no recourse after purchase. Auctions work only if you know what to look for and are willing to accept the risk.

Ongoing costs beyond the purchase price

Housing is expensive. A peacock needs a predator-proof enclosure (at least 200 square feet for one bird, more for a pair) with a shelter for winter. Building or buying a coop runs $500 to $2,000 depending on materials and size. Peacocks are large birds that can fly short distances, so the enclosure must have a roof or tall netting.

Feed costs $30 to $60 per month per bird. Peacocks eat layer pellets (like chickens), grains, vegetables, and insects. They also need grit and oyster shell for digestion. If you free-range them on your property, they will eat bugs and plants, which lowers feed costs but increases the risk of predation and escape.

Veterinary care is harder to find and more expensive than for chickens. Few vets treat exotic birds, and those who do charge $100 to $300 for an exam. Vaccinations and treatments for parasites or illness add up quickly. Peacocks live 15 to 20 years, so medical costs accumulate over time.

Zoning and permits vary by location. Many suburban and urban areas ban peacocks or require a permit. Check your local ordinances before buying. Some areas allow them only on properties larger than one acre. Violating zoning rules can result in fines or forced removal of the birds.

Buying chicks versus adult birds

Chicks are cheaper upfront ($25 to $75) but require more work and carry higher mortality risk. You must provide a heat lamp at 95°F for the first week, then lower the temperature by 5°F each week until they are 8 weeks old. They need specialized chick feed and clean water daily. If the heat lamp fails or the temperature drops, chicks die quickly. Mortality rates for chicks bought online can be 10 to 30 percent depending on shipping stress and your setup.

Adult birds cost more ($75 to $200) but are ready to live outdoors when ready and have a much higher survival rate. You know what you are getting—the bird's size, temperament, and color are already set. Adult birds are better for beginners because they skip the fragile chick stage. The downside is that adult birds may have behavioral issues or health problems the seller did not disclose, so ask detailed questions and request a health may provide.

Red flags when buying a peacock

Avoid sellers who cannot provide photos or health records. If someone lists a bird online with no pictures or refuses to answer questions about age and origin, the bird is likely sick, stolen, or misrepresented. Legitimate breeders are proud of their birds and show them off.

Be wary of prices that seem too low. A healthy adult peacock for $20 or $30 is a sign something is wrong—the bird may be sick, injured, or not actually a peacock. Breeders price birds based on age, color, and health; a deal that seems too good usually is.

Do not buy from sellers who pressure you to decide quickly or claim the bird will be gone soon. Reputable breeders hold birds for serious buyers and do not use artificial urgency. This tactic is common on classified sites and signals an unreliable seller.

Avoid birds with visible signs of illness: discharge from the eyes or nose, ruffled feathers, limping, or lethargy. Ask the seller directly if the bird has been treated for parasites or illness recently. If they refuse to answer or seem evasive, walk away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a peacock at a pet store?

Most pet stores do not carry peacocks because they are large, long-lived birds that require specialized care. Some feed stores in rural areas occasionally have chicks during spring, but selection is limited and staff knowledge is often poor. Private breeders and farms are your best option.

Do I need a license or permit to own a peacock?

It depends on your location. Many cities and suburbs ban peacocks or require a permit. Some areas allow them only on properties over one acre. Check your local zoning ordinances and contact your county agricultural extension office before buying. Violating local rules can result in fines or forced removal of the bird.

What is the cheapest way to get a peacock?

Buying a chick from a private breeder costs the least upfront ($25 to $75), but you must invest in heating equipment and specialized care for 8 to 12 weeks. Buying an adult bird from a breeder costs more ($75 to $200) but saves you time and reduces the risk of the bird dying before it matures. Classified ads sometimes have cheaper birds, but you have no protection if the bird is sick or misrepresented.

How much does it cost to ship a peacock?

Shipping a peacock costs $50 to $150 depending on distance and the carrier. Most breeders use specialized poultry shippers who know how to pack birds safely. Chicks are rarely shipped because they are fragile and often die in transit. Adult birds ship better than young birds, but mortality risk is still 5 to 15 percent depending on weather and handling.

Are white peacocks more expensive than blue ones?

Yes. White peacocks cost $150 to $300 compared to $50 to $150 for standard blue peacocks. White coloring is recessive and requires selective breeding over many generations, so breeders charge a premium. The rarer the color variety, the higher the price.