 Birds, Pens, Hatching
Birds- we raise 8 different colors and 5 different varieties of peafowl at the ranch.
Pens- our pens are 12' wide X24'long with 6'high shed at north end, opened to the south. We have poultry wire up to 7' and welded 2"x4" wire up to 4' also. We use "Pacific Netting" for the top as it is strong enough for the snow loads and varmints. I have treated 2x6's along the botton and 2x4's along the top. I have poured concrete along the metal edges to prevent varmints from digging under edges.
Hatching- Hatching peafowl is difficult at best. We live at 7000' elevation with a dry climate (less than 10" annually) and it is difficult for incubators to keep temp and humidity steady. I will keep the incubator in the basement this next year for a more constant temp. and humidity. I use a GQF model 1503 incubator and an older model as a hatcher with more water pans.
We have a vermin prevention program in place with "TomCat" mouse and rat poison in them. They are secure and they can be put in the bird pens to help control vermin. I rotate poisons to keep the mice from acclimating and have water buckets places around the ranch as it attracts and drowns them.
We have over 50 chickens with Black Giant Cochins, Bowtie/Showgirl, and Bantam cochins of many colors.
If you wish for some let us know and we can plan in the spring to hatch some.
Predators
Our pens are built tough enough to keep most large predators out. We have Coyotes, bobcats, bears, and mountain Lions up here. Our best protection is a radio that is on 24/7, a human voice is the best defense.
We have thought about lettiing a few birds, peafowl, run loose/free range but,not at this time.
Hunting & Fishing
We are avid hunting and fishing enthisiast and annually go into the woods with the horses to hunt elk and deer. We have taken friends up in the high mountains for a fishing trip for "Golden Trout". We usually have 2-6 friends out each season for deer or elk.
Mountain Living
We have 40 acres with 4 large bird pens, 2 barns, and 3 out buildings for our many activities.
We live at 7000 feet elevation and love the solitude and freedom that mountain living provides. Even if it takes more work and effort to do so. | 
