Ostrich bird: species and description, where they live and what breed is better to breed

Ostriches are exotic birds for Russia. But recently they are increasingly bred on home farms as farm animals. They produce meat, eggs, and other types of products. Consider the description and characteristics of an ostrich as a bird, the most bred breeds, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the features of growing at home.

General description of birds

This is the largest flightless bird. Thanks to its long legs and wide stride, it can reach speeds of 55 km / h. Adults weigh 60-150 kg, with an average of 100 kg. During the first year, only half of the final weight is gained.The growth of males of 3 years of age reaches 2.1-2.8 m, females - 1.7-2 m.

The plumage of the body is mostly black, wings and tail are white. Females and young are greyish-brown, chicks are fawn with dark brown spots. The head and neck are covered with fine gray down. The skin of birds in visible areas is pinkish or gray - depending on the species. Ostriches have the longest legs among birds, but they are known for more than that - they have 2 toes on their feet, not 4, and only a claw grows on the larger of them. According to scientists, the reduction in the number of fingers contributes to the speed of running and was the result of adaptability in the fight against predators.

In nature, ostriches live in groups of 5-50 pieces. In times of danger, birds either hide or run away. Defensively, they can kick.

Ostrich has many differences from other birds in the structure of bones, digestive, excretory and reproductive systems.

Where do they live?

Ostriches of different species live in Africa, 3 species are called so - North, South and East African ostrich.The first of them is the most common and largest. Another species found in Africa is the Somali ostrich. On this continent, birds are found in the savannah, semi-desert and desert. In addition to Africa, ostriches live in Australia (emu) and South America (nandu).

Ostrich breeds

African ostriches, emus and rhea can be bred in the household. Which breed to choose depends on the characteristics and purpose of cultivation.

African ostriches

Black African breed is popular in meat farms. Its representatives are the largest, you can get the most products from them. They are also sold as breeding birds, which turns out to be even more profitable than selling them for meat.

Pros and conshigh quality meat products;moderate egg production;feathers that can be realized for use in light industry.the cost of building or equipping a farm;expenses for the purchase of young animals.

Despite early investment, an ostrich farm pays for itself in 2 to 3 years at the most.

Emu

Pros and consthey are bred for red meat, leather, feathers and fat;are easily adapted and can be kept in areas unsuitable for other activities;disease resistance.smaller than African breeds, sizes;the need to establish regular sales of products.

The main product of emu is the production of fat, which is used in the manufacture of medicines.

Nandu

Pros and consshort period of incubation;egg production;consume a lot of grass, which makes their feeding profitable;exactingness of young animals to the conditions of detention;the smallest of the ostriches are at least 2 times smaller than African ones.

Despite the small size of the birds, the farm for growing them can also be profitable, you can earn income due to the precocity of rhea.

Which breed is best to breed

All ostrich breeds have pros and cons. The choice depends on what you plan to receive - meat, eggs or fat. For meat production, black African breed and emu are suitable, for egg production - rhea.

Features of keeping ostriches at home

Despite their large size, ostriches are shy and even aggressive. They have good hearing and vision, males can react sharply to sudden movements and strong or unexpected sounds. This feature of behavior must be taken into account when working with birds, in order not to provoke ostriches to aggression, they must be handled calmly, work slowly.

Ostrich farms use one of 3 growing methods. Intensive involves keeping birds in a limited area and feeding with imported food. Extensive - keeping practically in the wild, on a large territory (1 ha per 10 individuals).

Feeding in this case is partially carried out by grazing birds, which reduces the cost of growing. The mixed type assumes keeping in the summer on a paddock on a pasture, in the winter - indoors.

Feature of the house for ostriches - high (3-3.5 m) walls made of durable material.For this bird, the premises of hangars or livestock farms are the best suited. When arranging a poultry house, you need to take care of insulation, lighting and ventilation. In summer, the temperature should not be below zero, a comfortable summer temperature is 20 ˚С. Humidity - not higher than 60%, lighting - at least 9 hours a day.

Ostrich care consists of cleaning the bedding, feeding and watering 3 times a day. Near the poultry house there should be a spacious paddock in which the birds will rest. The area must be surrounded by a high, at least 2 m, strong mesh. If possible, birds should be released there, even in winter, when there are no severe frosts. If the corral is large, you can keep the bird there from spring to autumn, you should only put feeders and drinkers inside, as well as a canopy where ostriches will hide from bad weather. The territory needs to be cleared of debris - glass, metal objects that birds can swallow.

Ostrich farming can be profitable. You can choose any breed for cultivation, you just have to consider their pros and cons.

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