עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is Peacock Kosher to Eat?
Question
Hello esteemed Rabbi, I read that peacock is kosher to eat, but elsewhere it was stated that peacock is forbidden for eating.
Is the peacock kosher or forbidden to eat?
Thank you very much for the help.
Answer
Greetings,
There is a type of peacock that is kosher, and in the time of the Gemara, people would eat it (see Tractate Chullin 117a). However, in our times, we do not have a tradition regarding that particular peacock, so we refrain from eating it.
This is brought by the Kaf Hachayim in Yoreh Deah (Siman 92:18) quoting the Knesset Gedolah, that a bird whose feathers are elegant and has some feathers in its comb resembling roses, and whose entire body is beautiful except for its legs which are black, is prohibited to eat, and that is the peacock. See there for further details.
Blessings,
Hillel Meirs
