Ostrich
Author: Randy Sell, Research Assistant
Department of Agricultural Economics, NDSU
Series Editor: Dwight Aakre, Farm Mangement Specialist
NDSU Extension Service
Ostriches are the largest living birds in the world. Native to Africa, ostriches are flightless, a characteristic they share with the emu, rhea and cassowary. For the past decade, the ostrich has been seen as a potential "get rich quick" scheme. In the beginning of the ostrich craze, people in the market saw their original investment increase tenfold. But, as breeding stock numbers increase, potential investors are cautioned that ostrich production may become a financially risky proposition. This publication discusses the needs of the birds and provides some general information about potential markets for ostrich.
Physical Attributes
A male ostrich stands between 6 and 9 feet at maturity, while females will range between 5.5 and 6.5 feet tall at maturity. Ostrich chicks grow about 10 inches per month for the first year and weigh about 100 pounds at 12 months of age. Adults usually weigh between 150 to 330 pounds. Domesticated ostriches reach maturity at 2 to 3 years of age. Females mature about 6 months earlier than males. Ostriches normally live from 30 to 70 years in captivity.
Even though ostriches are flightless birds, their wings are surprisingly strong. Ostriches use their wings for aggressive display and courtship rituals. Males have contrasting bright white and black plumage. Females' plumage is grey and drab. Their lead-blue skin color usually becomes scarlet over the beak, on the forehead and around the eyes during the mating season. The normal body temperature range of the ostrich is between 103 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. During hot weather ostriches lift and fan their wings, while during cold weather they cover their thighs with their wings. The ostrich is the only bird to have only two toes on each foot. Emus, rheas and cassowarys, which are also classified as ratites (flightless birds), have three toes on each foot. Ostriches are fast runners, and their first instinct upon being frightened is to run. Ostriches can cover between 16 to 23 feet per stride and maintain speeds between 30 and 50 miles per hour for 30 minutes.
Breeding
The breeding season for ostriches begins in March and April and can last until September. Breeding season length largely depends on food availability, bird condition and weather. Approximately two months before to the beginning of the breeding season birds should be separated into breeding pairs. Groups of one male and two female birds can also be penned together. Bird condition is important because unhealthy and improperly conditioned birds will often be less productive egg layers.
Courtship of ostriches involves elaborate displays by both sexes. Shortly after mating, the female will lay between 12 and 15 eggs. Generally, females will lay an egg every other day. If the eggs are taken from the nest daily, the hen may lay up to 80 eggs, although 40 to 50 is more typical. An inadequate diet may result in less egg production. Ostrich eggs are the largest of all eggs and weigh about 2.75 pounds. The contents of one ostrich egg is equivalent to two dozen chicken eggs.
Breeding Paddock
Ostriches prefer larger paddocks; however, oversized paddocks can cause birds to become wild, skittish and hard to control. A good paddock size for a breeding pair is one to three acres. Planting the paddock to alfalfa will allow the birds to have quality forage for grazing. A few trees or shrubs for shade and privacy are advised. The paddock should be enclosed with 5-foot-high wire fence. There should be a double fence between two paddocks, with at least 6 feet between fences to prevent males from injuring themselves fighting. Four to five strands of eight-gauge smooth wire is sufficient with posts spaced 10 feet apart. Never use barbed wire as birds will inevitably do serious harm to themselves. A hedge or windbreak is also good between pens to provide more privacy during courtship displays. The pen should have an area about 25 square feet by 6 inches deep of clean sand for the birds to roll in.
Ostriches are hardy birds, but they do require protection from snow, ice, extreme wind, cold, rain and sleet. Paddocks should be designed so birds must enter a shelter (confinement pen) to get feed and water. Pens designed in this manner simplify the task of catching and restraining the birds. Also, the shelter protects feed and water from the elements. Feeders and waterers should be positioned so managers can access them without exposing themselves to overly aggressive ostriches. While not prone to aggressive behavior, ostriches may become more aggressive during the breeding season.
Feeders should be open-type measuring about 48 inches long by 14 inches wide and 4 to 6 inches deep. Feeders should be partitioned into equal sections, one containing a ratite breeder ration, one containing shelled corn and one containing oyster shell. A one-day supply of breeder ration and shelled corn should be placed in the feed box. The water pan should be 24 to 30 inches wide and 5 to 8 inches deep. Ostriches drink by scooping water with their beak. Therefore, they need a depth of water sufficient to immerse their beak and a long enough distance to move across to adequately drink. Feeders and waterers should be mounted at the bird's chest height.
Incubation
There are two main methods of incubation for domestic ostrich production, natural and artificial. Many African ostrich producers prefer natural incubation because they feel chicks hatched by artificial incubation are not as healthy. This is probably true, since under natural incubation only the strongest chicks survive, which means fewer chicks survive. Also, allowing ostriches to sit on eggs for up to six weeks can cause strain on the birds and can cause their condition to deteriorate. Both male and female ostriches share sitting responsibilities, usually the male at night and the female during the day.
If the hen is allowed to sit on the eggs, she will normally lay about one egg every other day for a total of 12 to 15 eggs. The nest will generally be a shallow depression in the ground. It is possible to enhance the nest by digging a small hole next to the nest, filling it with coarse sand, and building a small bank around it.
Producers in the United States usually practice artificial incubation. They generally feel there is too much investment in the birds and eggs for natural incubation. Greater egg production should result if eggs are removed from the nest each day. If artificial incubation is used, eggs should be gathered twice daily, stored with large ends up or on their sides, cooled to 65 to 70 F and placed in the incubator within 2 to 4 days. If eggs are not incubated within four days, hatchability usually declines. Eggs should be turned three times daily before to being placed in an incubator.
Only clean, sound eggs should be incubated. Dirt and manure should be gently scraped off or removed with sandpaper. Eggs should not be wiped with a cloth as this could force bacteria deeper into the pores of the egg shell, increasing chances of infection. If eggs must be washed, use water containing a sanitizing agent and keep water temperature 10 F warmer than the eggs. Sanitizing agents suitable for use on ostrich eggs include ammonium compounds or compounds containing chlorine, iodine or synthetic phenol. Water should be changed frequently to prevent spreading of bacteria. Improper cleaning is worse than no cleaning at all. Latex gloves should be worn when handling eggs to prevent oil on skin from penetrating the shell.
Good quality incubators and hatchers are necessary. Other than birds themselves, incubators and hatchers should represent the greatest monetary investment. Several companies manufacture ostrich incubators and hatchers. Some of the companies are Humidaire Incubator Co., New Madison, OH (513/996-3001); Kuhl Corporation, Flemington, NJ (201/782-5695); and G.Q.F. Mfg. Co., Box 1552, Dept. OST, Savannah, GA 31498 (192/236-0651).
Ostrich eggs need to be incubated for 42 days. Unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, the eggs should be incubated at 97.5 to 98.5 F. Relative humidity should be kept at 35 to 40 percent through day 40 (beginning of pipping). After day 40, humidity should be kept at 83 to 88 percent.
Fertile eggs should begin to hatch on the 42nd day. Chicks will usually hatch without assistance within 12 hours after they first pip (break) the shell. Chicks should not be removed prematurely as blood vessels may break, or, if a chick is not given sufficient time to struggle, the yolk sac may not be drawn into the chick's body. If a chick has not hatched after 20 to 30 hours and appears weak, carefully remove a few pieces of shell. Be sure to remove pieces of shell which are cutting the chick's bill.
After the chicks have hatched, let them dry for 3 to 4 hours in the brooder (90 to 95 F). After the chicks have dried sufficiently, place no more than three birds in a 4- by 5-foot pen.
Brooding and Rearing
The brooding facility must protect chicks from predators and inclement weather. The facility should be dry, sanitary and well ventilated. It should be easy to clean and sanitize. The floor of the pen should be rough to provide firm footing for the chicks. Never cover the litter with newspaper or other slick material as chicks will develop "spraddle legs" which is fatal. Young ostrich chicks will ingest anything they can swallow; if allowed, ostrich chicks will ingest foreign matter which may cause illness or death. Therefore, straw and bedding should be covered with burlap for at least 10 days.
Supplementary heat should be provided to keep the temperature about 90 F at chick level in the 4- by 5-foot pen for the first two weeks. Gradually reduce heat to 75 F from the third week through the eighth. Birds should be allowed access to outdoors as soon as possible after the eighth week. However, they should never be allowed to become chilled or overheated. Adult ostriches (older than 1 year) are hardy birds which are able to withstand a variety of climatic conditions as long as they are protected from extreme heat or cold.
Feeding
Ostrich chicks may not eat for the first 24 hours while subsisting on the yolk sac. Chicks should be started on a proven commercial ostrich (ratite) ration or a good quality turkey or game bird starter containing at least 26 percent protein. High fiber foods can result in intestinal blockage and result in "starve outs." Some fresh foods such as chard and spinach contain oxalic acid which impairs the absorption of calcium and will result in leg problems. Never feed moldy feedstuffs to birds. It is common for young chicks to not eat, but placing chicks that are already eating with young chicks will help. Continuous light and access to feed for chicks less than 3 weeks of age should be provided.
After 3 weeks of age, give chicks all the starter they can eat in two 20-minute feeding periods. Good quality alfalfa pellets, oyster shell and grit should be available to chicks at all times after 3 weeks of age. Clean water should be available to chicks at all times. If chicks are allowed access to pasture, be sure there are no stagnant pools of water. Young chicks can die from ingesting stagnant water.
Chicks should be fed good quality game bird or turkey grower from eight weeks to maturity in two daily meals. Continue to allow access to oyster shell, grit and alfalfa pellets. Alfalfa pellets may not be necessary if good quality grazing forage is available.
Breeding birds in drylot should be fed a high quality ratite, turkey or game bird breeder diet. Also, birds should have access to succulent forage or alfalfa pellets.
Restraint
Handling ostriches can be dangerous to the bird and handler. A mature ostrich is capable of delivering a kick of up to 500 pounds per square inch. They are liable to jump and flail with their wings and legs when frightened and can injure handlers. Time is well spent moving among young chicks to tame them. Tamer birds are much easier to handle than wild birds and are less prone to injure themselves.
For young chicks, simply grasp the birds by the legs and pick them off the ground. At least four experienced people are necessary to handle mature birds. A bicycle handlebar attached to a rake handle works well to fend off ostriches. Sheets of plywood, with holes for the arms to pass through, protect the handlers who are placing a hood over an ostrich's head. Once birds are hooded, they should settle down and be much easier to handle.
Ostriches should be transported in an enclosed trailer so they can not stick their heads out. There should not be sharp objects or corners inside the trailer because birds may be injured during sudden stops or quick acceleration. Ostriches need to have good traction on the trailer floor to prevent falling and possible leg injuries. Old rugs or carpets are often effective for good footing on trailer floors. Different sized birds should be separated during transportation to prevent smaller birds from being injured. Ostriches generally sit and travel quite well. If there are any doubts about bird safety, do not hesitate to call an experienced person for advice.
Getting Started
There are several ways to begin producing ostriches. The least expensive method is to buy eggs and hatch them. This is probably the most risky way to begin ostrich production because of the potential problems with hatching and getting young chicks started. Also, once the chicks are hatched, they are roughly two to three years from producing saleable chicks. Fertile eggs are currently being advertised for $1,250 per egg, while day-old chicks are selling for $1,500. The quickest, but the most expensive way to begin ostrich production is to buy a proven breeding pair. A proven breeding pair of ostriches will cost between $50,000 and $75,000. However, saleable chicks may be produced within three to six months.
Ostriches may be purchased at any age from day-old through mature birds, at prices ranging from $1,500 to $30,000 depending on bird sex and age. Ostriches are generally purchased on a private treaty from ostrich breeders. The recommended method for starting in the ostrich business depends on the prospective producer, access to capital, experience with ratites, and type of facilities available. For most people, the best tradeoff is to purchase birds at three to six months of age. At this age, chicks are relatively hardy yet not prohibitively expensive.
It is important to begin with high-quality, unrelated breeding stock. A producer should purchase from a reputable breeder who guarantees fertility and health of birds. A source of ostrich breeders in the United States is the American Ostrich Association, Fort Worth, Texas.
Economics
Markets for ostriches are currently breeder markets with value determined as much by nostalgia as the value of products provided by the ostriches. In the long term, if the ostrich industry is to thrive, the birds will have to generate revenue sufficient to cover their costs of production. The main products from ostrich are 1) a red meat which is lower in fat and cholesterol than turkey, 2) leather which is extremely durable with unique markings and 3) decorative by-products, namely, feathers and eggs. People currently in the industry believe the ostrich industry will reach maturity in four to seven years, and, at that point, 12 to 14-month-old 100 pound birds should be selling for $800 to $1,000.
The following economic and cash flow budgets were developed to provide current costs of production and possible cash flow expectations. Table 1 outlines the production coefficients used in developing the budgets. Budgets were developed assuming 50 percent external financing (debt) at 9.75 percent interest. The opportunity cost of equity capital was 4 percent. Buildings, facilities, incubators and equipment were depreciated over 10 years with no salvage value. Interest on variable costs was estimated to accumulate over 12 months. Ownership costs in the economic budget include opportunity costs of equity capital (4 percent). The cash flow budget only includes interest owed on debt capital.
Selling unrelated pairs of ostrich chicks is not possible with one pair of breeding ostriches. Thus, sale prices of chicks are much lower than current "paired" chick selling prices. Eight chicks were assumed to be sold at 12 weeks of age, five at 6 months of age and three chicks at 1 year of age. While returns to owner labor and management and cash flow (Table 2) seem to indicate that the ostrich business is quite lucrative, it is critical to recognize that the budgets do not reflect the risk involved in ostrich production.
Table 1. Production coefficients for a pair of breeding ostriches, North Dakota, 1993 Eggs collected/hen 35 Hatching rate (%) 90 Chicks fed to 12 weeks 16 Chick death loss (hatching-3 months) (%) 50 Total feed per chick (to 1 year) (lbs) 170 Total feed per mature bird per year (lbs) 2,000 Selling price per 12-week-old chick $2,500 Selling price per 6-month-old chick $4,496 Selling price per 12-month-old chick $6,600 Breeding pair value $50,000 Buildings $10,000 Fencing $3,000 Incubators, feeders, waterers $9,500 Feed cost/ton of pellets* Starter-grower $366.40 Mature ratite feed $356.00 Annual operating expenses per pair Worming, medicine and veterinarian $100.00 Building and facilities maintenance $50.00 Utilities and fuel $700.00 *Personal communication with Trace Whiffler, Whiffler Ranch & The Roost
Table 2. Economic and cash flow budgets for a mature pair of breeding ostriches, North Dakota, 1993.Economic Budget Cash Flow Budget Returns --------- Per Pair ----------- Live bird sales $60,852.23 $60,852.23 Gross revenue $60,852.23 $60,852.23 Variable costs Feed $871.42 $871.42 Worming, vaccination and identification 100.00 100.00 Utilities and fuel 700.00 700.00 Interest 114.91 81.48 Total variable costs $1,786.33 $1,752.90 Fixed costs Building ownership $687.50 $487.50 Fencing ownership 206.25 146.25 Incubators, feeders and waterer ownership 653.13 463.13 Depreciation on fixed assets 3,500.00 xxx.xx Breeding pair ownership 3,437.50 2,437.50 Insurance 2,500.00 2,500.00 Total fixed costs $10,984.38 $6,034.38 TOTAL LISTED COSTS $12,770.71 $7,787.28 Returns over variable costs $59,065.90 $59,099.33 Returns to labor, management and equity $48,081.52 xxxxx.xx Cash flow (debt service, family living) xxxxx.xx $53,064.95
The economic budget is generated by charging market rates for all resources needed for production. It helps answer the question "Is this enterprise profitable?" The bottom line represents a return to labor and management.The cash flow budget is an estimate of the out-of-pocket cash needed to run the enterprise, including not only direct costs but indirect cash costs such as principle and interest payments, insurance and taxes. It helps answer the question "Can I meet my cash obligations if I go into this enterprise?" Total cash expenses are subtracted from total cash receipts to calculate the net cash which is available for family living and other needs.
Acknowledgment
Some of this material was adapted from the publications Ostrich Management Guide, by Robert W. Bastien, University of Georgia and Ostrich Production, by Albert W. Adams, Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service.
For further information:
American Ostrich Association. 3840 Hulen Street, Suite 210, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Coody, Dale. 1987. Ostriches: Your Great Opportunity. 4-C Ostrich Farm, Rt. 1, Box 71A, Lawton, OK 73501.
Fowler, M.E., 1986. Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine. Second edition. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Co.
Whiffler, Trace. Whiffler Ranch & The Roost. Box 86, Rhame, ND 58651. Personal communication. April 1993.
Funds to support the research for and production of the Alternative Agriculture Series were made availalbe to the Value-Added Agriculture project by "Growing North Dakota" legislation through Technology Transfer, Inc.
Alternative Agriculture Series, Number 11
July 1993
Go to Alternative Agriculture Publication Index
NDSU Extension Service, North Dakota State University of Agriculture and Applied Science, and U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Sharon D. Anderson, Director, Fargo, North Dakota. Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. We offer our programs and facilities to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, Vietnam era veterans status, or sexual orientation; and are an equal opportunity employer.
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