Trio of peacocks are people-pleasers at Allegheny Township farm
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Three peacocks rule the roost at Legacy Acres Farm in Allegheny Township.
Meet Kevin, Houlahan and Radar — three pet Indian peafowl, commonly referred to as peacocks, owned by Susan Hughan.
Hughan, 65, spent her childhood playing with her neighbor’s peacocks while growing up near Leechburg.
Her grandmother shared her affection and interest for the exotic birds, even collecting their colorful and soft feathers for weekly bingo games.
“She said they were her good luck charms,” Hughan said.
Hughan owns and operates Legacy Acres, a horse boarding farm on 36 acres, and said her dream of owning peacocks has finally come true.
“We got the peacocks because they are so unique,” she said. “I have always wanted a peacock as a pet, so when we built our barn, I thought it would be the perfect touch.”
Hughan bought Kevin from a breeder several hours away and said prices per peacock range from $150 to $450, depending on the age and sex.
“We love them as pets. They free range, although they do have a pen for protection against predators such as coyotes,” Hughan said.
The birds’ diet consists mainly of crackers, different seeds for feed, raspberries, blueberries, veggies and bugs.
“They eat lots of bugs, and that’s a benefit,” Hughan said.
Kevin, 4, is the dominant leader of the flock.
Houlahan and Radar, both 16 months old, were acquired six months ago.
The birds have made a name for themselves in the neighborhood.
Visitors often stop by in hopes of seeing Kevin fan out his feathers and strut his stuff.
Peacocks molt during late summer, and it takes a few months to grow back the signature long plumage.
“Kevin’s feathers are in high demand,” Hughan said. “He’s not as colorful right now because he has molted, but he’s still Kevin.”
Mary Beth Mercurio, a frequent farm visitor and friend of Hughan, said her shiny blue car is especially appealing to Kevin.
“When I visit, he sees his reflection in my car and fans out and honks, too. He always goes after my car,” Mercurio said. “He’s loud and screechy.”
Erin Wagner of Allegheny Township initially viewed social media posts featuring photos of Kevin.
“He’s a popular little thing,” Wagner said. “My son saw Kevin’s pic online and said he had to meet him — that it was on his “bucket list.”
Hughan arranged for the Wagners to have a meet-and-greet with Kevin.
Wagner said her son is still raving about the encounter.
“He wants to go back and see Kevin. The peacocks are very interactive with humans. They could almost be a therapy pet, and I think Kevin liked the attention.”
The bird trio roost up in various trees at night and can fly.
Neighbors Scott and Christeen McKillop recalled the first time they heard a mysterious, high-pitched call echoing throughout their rural road.
“I’m a hunter and I was like, “What was that?’ ” Scott McKillop said. “Kevin roosts on our roof. They sleep in my trees, look in my window and make themselves at home. Kevin is a show-off, and he even plays with my cat and dog.”
Peacock feathers were wildly popular during the 1800s, used especially in Western visual culture, with feathers adorning curtains, clothing, theatrical costumes, hats, fans and more.
“I have a beautiful wreath that Susan made for my front door, and she used peacock feathers from Kevin. I love it,” Christeen McKillop said.
Hughan said her two youngest birds are just beginning to show their colors.
“Radar and Houlahan are just starting to reveal their personality. They pretty much follow Kevin around, and we may soon have three mischievous honkers on our hands,” Hughan said.
Kevin and the gang may soon have to find a bigger tree for roosting.
“We hope to get a white and a purple peacock in the future,” Hughan said.