by Keith Johnson
Maintaining an ostrich farm with my father has been a fascinating experience, for its educated me upon aspects of ostrich culture which is quite incongruous than any other domesticated animal. However, there are several perspectives that I yearned to explore such as nutritional values, sexual behavior, the breeding season and management of ostrich eggs and chicks. Visiting the Thomas Tull Ostrich Farm, I observed a fully functioned business, in which ostriches were harvested for slaughtering and hides. Mr. Tull contracted with an ostrich company so he would be capable of marketing birds for slaughter, producing a wide variety of meat products such as ostrich jerky, hamburgers and steaks to sell through grocery stores in the tri-state. Talking to Mr. Tull I learned a great deal about ostriches and what it takes to keep them healthy.
The ostrich, which originated from western and central regions of Africa, Australia, Asia and several other foreign countries, have quickly been established throughout the United States. Even though ostrich popularity has grown tremendously, many people have no knowledge of these unique birds and the procedures followed into raising them appropriately. With people getting involved into ostrich farming, perhaps this industry will expand, bringing about more ostrich markets in which they can be sold.
While ostriches inhabited vast areas of western Africa and eastern extent of the Arabian Peninsula, they had unlimited access to "succulent plants, brushes, invertebrates, small vertebrates, grass and insects [which are] important sources of protein and energy in the wild" (Jensen 1). Whereas when raised within a human environment, ostriches are limited to what they can consume and, therefore, require certain nutritional foods and forages in order to survive. In addition, if managed correctly "an ostrich life span can range up to 70-80 years of age" (28). When ostriches reach full maturity or adulthood, they can weigh anywhere from "350-400 pounds and stand nearly 8 feet (2 ½ m) within the first 18-20 months" (Tull).
There are three distinct breeds of ostriches, the African black, Redneck, and the Blueneck ostrich which all are related and have similar characteristics. The largest of these three birds is the Redneck, "which stands nearly nine feet tall and weigh around 350-450 pounds" (Tull). Redneck ostriches are more aggressive than any of the three types, and "are more likely to be the most temperamental" (Tull). Although the Blueneck ostrich is somewhat alike, thus getting "only 8 feet tall and weighing 350-375 pounds, not as aptable to accept human relationships" (Johnson).
The male ostrich has different characteristics than that of a female, for "male ostriches have black feathers on its bulky body with large white feathers called plumes, on its wings and tail" (Jensen 5). All the "feathers on the female ostrich are dull gray," which somewhat provides camouflage for them to hide from any day lurking predators (Johnson). The ostrich only has two toes, which is "an adaptation to a predominantly running and walking mode of life, giving greater strength and thrust to the foot" (Jensen 3). Ostriches cannot fly and, therefore, when compelled to run from enemies, their "strong slender legs can take 15-foot strides at incredible speeds of up to 42 miles per hour" (4).
During breeding season, which usually begins early spring and extends through late fall, ostriches can become irritable, and become very unpredictable.
Assembling a harem or diverse number of females, usually consisting of 3-5 in number, can be an intricate challenge for male ostriches. This courtship is complicated series of "displays, dancing, vocalization, and synchronous behavior," which sometimes overcomes the females desire (2). During courtship, the male ostriches display is extraordinarily comical when observed from a distance, and usually initiates in the following sequence:
As excitement increases near the nest site, the male drops to the ground. He then sweeps the ground continuously with first one wing, then the other. His head and neck sway from side to side over his back in rhythmic fashion as he gently rocks his body. This activity is colloquially referred to as the kantel (18).
The male often gives his "booming courtship call during this display" (18).
Coinciding this mating process, "male birds contrive a nest, customarily 3 meters in diameter for the selected females to lay there eggs in" (Johnson). When mating's concluded, "female ostriches produce one egg every other day until the nest becomes quite full (16-26 eggs)" (Jensen 19). Then the oldest or dominant "hen incubate the eggs during the daylight hours while the male birds at nighttime" (3). Although in human captivity, female birds are capable of laying anywhere from 35-50 eggs there first breeding season. However, they can yield "50-100 eggs at peak breeding age" (Johnson). Each egg is almost round, "nearly 8 inches in diameter, and obtaining an astonishing weight of 5 ½ -6 pounds" (Johnson). Ostrich eggs are a "dull yellow or sometime a creamy white, having large pores and a thick shell," similar to that of enamel (Tull).
Most ostrich farms today collect eggs daily, depending upon the specified due dates of the females. Therefore, this task can become quite strenuous, for male birds are very belligerent and are prepared to defend their egg when sensing any danger or harm approaching.
With large thick nails attatched to their "long 7 inch toes, ostriches can inflict severe injuries to pestering humans or mangy dogs such as broken legs, ribs, jawbones, arms, etc." (Tull). This combined with there powerful legs, "ostriches are capable of kicking up to 500 pounds per square inch," an effective weapon to scare off any predators or humans (Johnson).
Ostrich chicks when hatched from the incubator (around 40 days), "stand approximately 6 inches tall and grow a foot a month for the first 6 months" (Tull). Chicks have to be fed high protein feeds in order for proper growth and survival. Also they are fed grit, diminutive ground granite to assist in the digestive process, to help prevent impaction.
Ostrich farming has become a very popular and profitable enterprise, for it requires little capital and stock increases fast with artificial incubation; less work is involved in ostrich farming than in most other agricultural pursuits. Ostrich meat is very delectable, and has been proven to "obtain 75% less cholesterol and fat than any other meat product" (Tull). Getting people involved into ostrich farming and what it takes to raise these magnificent birds will conceivably expand the ostrich industry, therefore bringing about the construction of more ostrich markets.
Works Cited
Jensen, James M. Husbandry & Medical Management: Ostriches, Emus & Rheas. Chicago: Wildlife and Exotic Animal Teleconsultants, 1992.
Johnson, Charles J. Person Interview. 12 April 1999.
Tull, Thomas. Personal Interview. 15 April 1999.
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