Breeding ostriches at home

Everyone is used to that ostriches are wild animals and can be found only in zoos, but now it has become popular to breed ostriches at home. This will be discussed in our article.

Domestic ostriches are species of domesticated wild ostriches that inhabit Africa. They are well acclimatized to the northern climate, and therefore ostrich farming is gradually gaining momentum. When breeding ostriches can be obtained eggs, meat, skin and featherswhich are indispensable in some industries and are very valuable in the markets.

A little about the history of the domestication of ostriches

The first mention of the domestication of ostriches was in 1650 g. At that time, ostriches were domesticated only in ancient Egypt. In China, trying to tame the ostrich in the I century. The proof is the image of the ostrich on the grave of the Chinese emperor.

Already since the end of the XYII century, the ostrich domestication begins in Africa.

After the outbreak of war, the ostriches faded into the background and only a few decades later found a new life.

Today in Europe there are about 600 farms.

What are ostriches? The main breed of ostrich

In ostrich farms are used three main types of ostriches: african, australian and south american.

• African ostrich reaches up to 2.7 m in height. The average weight of female ostriches is 165 kg, and the males are 155. This is the only two-fingered species of ostrich. Birds live in families of one male and 4 females. A female can carry up to 10 eggs, which hatch both females and males. Hatching lasts for 50 days. The eggs are very large, the diameter of the eggs is 12 cm and 16 cm in length.
• Australian ostrich reaches up to two meters in height. The average weight of females and males is 60 kg. Since the males and females of the emu are very similar, they can only be distinguished in the mating season, the males shout loudly at this time. The marriage period lasts from September to October.The female lays eggs in January, their male incubates. The offspring appears within 60 days. Males lose weight during the incubation period, since they cannot leave the nest with offspring.
• South American Ostriches, or ostriches nandu, reach a height of up to 1.4 m. They are unpretentious to the content and multiply rapidly. The weight of this domestic ostrich is about 30 kg.

Ostriches do not fly, but they still need wings, especially while jogging. Wings help keep balance while running. Also, these birds, unlike other ostriches, run slowly, but swim well.

Nanda is valued not only meat and eggs, but also skin and eggshell.

What is the purpose of breeding ostriches? Ostrich products

Ostriches are bred in order to get eggs, meat, feathers, fat, skin, claws and ostrich's beak. Ostrich products are not only sold in the markets.

Ostrich eggs have a high value, and basically all of them are sent for incubation. Only early or late eggs are used in the diet.

Eggs are not inferior to chicken and are prepared in the same way. One ostrich egg holds 30 chicken eggs in it and weighs up to 1800. Since the egg shell resembles porcelain, it is often used in artistic products, that is, it is painted and engraved.

Shell very light and durable. She comes in two colors - dark green and yellowish-pink. Colors depend on the color of bird feathers. Ostriches rush in the summer. One female can carry about 80 eggs per season. It takes place from March to October. During the first season, the female lays up to 20 eggs every other day.

In Poland, ostrich eggs are considered exotic, they can feed up to 10 people. Mostly they need restaurants.

Unfortunately, the caloric content of ostrich eggs is lower than that of chicken. One hundred grams contains 118 kcal. Eggs are very nutritious and very fat.

100 grams of ostrich eggs contain 12.5 grams of protein, 11.8 grams of fat, and 0.7 grams of carbohydrates.

Ostrich eggs can be stored in the refrigerator for three months. Since it has a strong taste, it is best to use it in baking.

Unfortunately, the ostrich egg has not only useful, but also dangerous properties. This product is not recommended for people with high cholesterol. Eggs contribute to the blockage of blood vessels.Children who are prone to allergies may develop a skin rash.

And have feathers an ostrich. Birds have contour feathers on their tails and wings. An adult ostrich has about a kilogram of feathers on its body. They are used in the fields of art and production.

The most important thing in the collection of feathers - properly cut them at a minimum distance from the skin of the ostrich. Feathers are collected from those birds that have reached the age of three. White feathers from the tail and wings are used in the creation of compositions, accessories and decorative souvenirs. Also, feathers are used to clean mechanisms from dust.

In the Middle Ages, ostrich feathers were used to create theatrical outfits and clothes of famous people. They were harvested in tons. Therefore, most African ostriches were massively exterminated at that time. Nowadays, people have learned safely how to use feathers for decorations, clothes and interior for birds.

The length of the feather should be no more than 80 cm. They are most often used to create feather boas.

Meat Ostrich is considered the highest quality and attracts gourmets and people who are concerned about their health.This meat resembles beef in its structure, taste and color. Also, ostrich meat has a low cholesterol content and a rich set of trace elements. There is practically no fat in it - 1.2%. During heat treatment, ostrich meat is juicy and soft, despite the low fat content.

Leather Ostrich has great value in the market, as it is an exotic species. The skin is soft, flexible and moisture resistant. It is used to create shoes, clothes and leather goods. With one adult ostrich can get about 1.5 square meters. m skin. Ostrich skin, covering the legs, is used for tailoring shoes and portomone.

Ostrich fat It has several properties, namely, anti-edema, anti-inflammatory and wound healing. Discovered the healing effect of ostrich fat in Australia. There is also information that ostrich fat was first used in Africa.

Fat is extracted without harming the bird on special farms. Natural fat contains Omega-6, vitamin E and antioxidants. A natural remedy relieves any irritation, as it has a soothing and moisturizing action. It also stops the aging of the skin.

In the early stages of epithelialization, ostrich fat is applied to wounds, as it relieves itching and inflammation. It can be used against bedsores and scuffs. With dislocations of the knees or elbows, fat reduces inflammation and pain.

Also, ostrich fat protects against sunburn and heals scars. For cosmetic purposes, bird fat is very effective. It has a good effect on hair growth and can restore about 80% of hair follicles. This is a good prevention for baldness. Well affects the fat on the nails and protects the skin from frost.

Ostrich fat is used during pregnancy and after childbirth, as this excellent tool helps to avoid stretch marks during pregnancy and eliminates itching. After giving birth, it helps heal the stitches.

From the ostrich can get about 7 kg of fat.

Ostrich fat is very multifunctional, and also does not contain allergens. It is economical to use and odorless.

A wide range of applications of ostrich products does not end with meat, eggs, skin, feathers and fat. Even the claws and beak of ostriches are used.

From the claws are made powder for grinding diamonds.

Ostrich claws and beaks can be used to make various jewelry, mainly necklaces, amulets and cases for flash drives.

What conditions need to create for the content of ostriches

According to experienced poultry farmers, breeding and caring for ostriches is no more difficult than breeding other poultry. Bred them for different products or for sale.

Premises for the maintenance of ostriches

Premises for ostriches are divided into basic and utility, but you can get by with the main one if the poultry farmer does not have the opportunity to complete the construction of the utility room. A bird will live in the main room. This includes pen and incubator. In the outbuildings, as a rule, food, eggs and inventory are stored.

The place for keeping ostriches should be insulated. Suitable for this barn on a solid foundation. Be sure to have windows, as in warm weather, the room needs special ventilation. In winter, ventilation is carried out using the hood in the ceiling.

The walls of the pen are covered with clay or covered with smooth boards. The floor is wooden. For bedding it is necessary to pour a thick layer of straw and sawdust.

You also need to consider that the barn must be high - from the head of the ostrich to the ceiling should be no less than a meter.

Land for rest and walking ostriches

Next to the main room, it is necessary to finish building a paddock with a net.

It is advisable to make a pen for keeping birds in sandy soil. There should be no trees and bushes on the territory of the pen. They create a shadow, and the place of walking for ostriches should be well lit.

Nearby you also need to have one fenced area with vegetation, but if there is a grass meadow nearby, then the birds can be sent to graze there. If there is no such place, then the grass itself will have to be mowed.

Placement of feeders and drinkers

Since ostriches are greedy birds, you need to take into account the proper placement of the feeders, because when they are crushed, young animals can hurt each other.

If there are dozens of birds on your farm, several feeders are placed at a distance of 50 cm per chick or 1.5 m per adult ostrich. They are filled for 2/3 of the total. For grass or hay, you need to have additional trellis feeders.They are fixed in the house at a height of 60 cm.

As a drinker you need to choose such equipment so that the chicks do not fall into the water. The best color for drinkers is white. This helps the ostrichs to quickly find feeders with water and food. For young strausit you can use bowls or trays as drinking bowls. They can also be purchased.

Especially proven automatic drinkers. This helps save water consumption. The volume of drinkers should be no more than 30 liters. They are not very expensive, but some farmers prefer to use drinkers made from scrap materials.

The diet of ostriches. Daily rate

For normal reproduction and livelihood, the ostrich needs a varied and full feeding.

Feed must contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. This helps the bird's body to form energy, accelerate the growth of new cells and tissues. A novice poultry farmer should know that they are eating ostriches on a farm, taking into account the season, the way of keeping, the age and the physiological state of the ostrich.

Vegetable feed is most often used in the main ostrich diet.They are the main source of energy, fat and vitamins.

Here is a list of certain foods that are included in vegetable feed:

Corn. Seeds of this vegetable are served in the form of porridge or cereals. Corn is rich in starch and contains carotenoids. It also contains calcium.

Wheat. Wheat grains are used if it is not possible to grow corn. Wheat grains contain a lot of raw protein, amino acids and vitamins of groups B and E. Wheat is served in the form of porridge.

Barley. The film membrane, which covers the cereal grains, contains unassimilable fiber. By nutritional value, cereal is inferior to corn and wheat, but it can also be used as cereal for cereal.

Oats From this grass porridge is cooked for young stock or served to adult birds as cereal, namely oatmeal.

Juicy food includes those foods that are rich in vitamins and microelements.

List of succulent feeds:

1. Greenery. This is the main plant food. It is cut and served as an adult ostrich and chicks. Only the freshest greens are fed. As the greens use alfalfa, clover, peas and beans.
2. Nettle. This early plant can be found on wastelands, ravines and forest edges. It contains about 4% protein and fiber, vitamins A, B and E.
3. Vitamin Hay from alfalfa, clover and meadow grasses. This is a complete and basic food for the winter period. Vitamins are stored when drying herbs. You can dry them under a canopy. Such hay is stored in a dry and dark room. Served ostriches chopped.
4. Herbal flour. It is made with the help of greenery and with a short exposure to heated air. It does not adversely affect vitamins and nutrients. Herbal flour contains carotene, protein, folic acid and trace elements, which have a good effect on the growth and viability of birds.
5. Root and tuber. This list includes carrots, potatoes, beets and ground pear. This is a direct source of vitamins and mineral salts that ostrichs so need in the winter-spring period. Beets served finely chopped. Potatoes should be boiled and served as a mash with bran and grass flour. Carrot finely chopped. It is better to choose red carrots, because it contains more carotene.

For a good metabolism and development of animal feed taken. They contain proteins and amino acids.

List of animal feed:

1. Milk. Sour milk, cottage cheese, milk and liquid waste from churning butter are used. This serum contains minerals that are easily digested.
2. A fish. Only non-commercial varieties of fish and fish meal are used. It is crushed and boiled. Fish contains about 60% protein and 18% fat, amino acids and minerals.
3. Meat and bone meal. It contains 50% protein, 11% fat and 30% ash.
4. Eggs of birds The shell of a boiled chicken egg is collected, dried and given to ostriches as a mineral dressing.

When feeding ostriches you need to take into account their daily diet, that is, correctly calculate the daily dose of a set of feed. Food should be rich in protein, calcium and phosphorus. At any age, ostriches should get a balanced diet.

We present the table of the daily balanced nutrition for ostrichs:

The main requirement for the diet - complete satisfaction of the needs of ostriches. It is necessary to determine which need to be given daily and in what quantity. Calorie must meet the needs of birds.

It is best to make the diet yourself, but you need to consider the nutritional value of each element of the feed, the weight of the birds and age.

Feeding the parent flock of birds is divided into two periods: productive and unproductive. The winter period is unproductive, because it is then that the ostriches do not breed and must maintain an average weight.

The productive period occurs in males after vidis of young ostriches and until the next mating in spring. In females, after the end of egg-laying and until the next breeding season.

It is important to calculate the dose of feed so that it is eaten during the day. At the same time food troughs with food should not fall under the rain.

Since the industry still does not produce balanced feed for ostriches, you can buy food that is produced for chickens or domestic ducks. To feed the ostriches need clean and fresh water. Especially important is water in hot weather. Polluted or warm water needs to be changed very often.

To prevent gastrointestinal diseases in ostriches, do not give them wet and dirty leaves. They must be washed and dried with warm air.

Features care for ostriches in the winter

Ostriches are sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, but at the same time they withstand cold temperatures under 30 degrees. But from drafts and sleet the birds can get sick. The last chicks appear in September-December, that is, before the start of frost. By December, they grow up and fledge. Also, ostriches calmly winter in unheated pens.

In cold weather, the main thing is to keep the shed door closed. At minus temperatures, ostriches still do not refuse to walk. They must be released only for 10 minutes and returned back to the premises. In general, it is not so difficult to keep ostriches in winter, as birds feel good during winter, and the frost is not an obstacle.

As you already could understand, it is not very easy to breed ostriches, but it is very profitable. Following these instructions, you can safely grow birds on your site.