The ostrich is considered the largest, although not flying, bird. All types of ostriches live in the warm countries of Africa and Australia, preferring savannas and semi-desert areas.
Ostrich is the largest bird in the world
With whom do we usually compare a person who tries to hide from his problems and pretend that nothing concerns him? Well, of course with an ostrich! There is even such an expression as “hiding your head in the sand like an ostrich.” What did this animal do to deserve such comparisons? Does it really hide its head or is it just a fiction?
The ostrich is a bird, although it does not fly, and belongs to the ostrich family. It is interesting that if you translate the name of this animal from Greek, it will sound like; "camel sparrow" Funny isn't it? How can one animal look like both a camel and a sparrow at the same time?!
Description of appearance and features
Nature has endowed ostriches with very large body sizes. The live weight of the birds reaches 150 kg, and their height is approximately 2 meters. The ostrich has powerful limbs and a massive neck. The wings are slightly raised in relation to the body. On the head are the eyes, which are framed by long eyelashes. Ostriches have curly feathers, but their color varies. This depends on the gender and species to which the bird belongs.
Today, in order to meet these beauties, you don’t have to go to distant Africa; you can easily visit an ostrich farm, of which there are many in Russia.
Ostriches completely lack the ability to fly, but if an unforeseen danger arises, they can escape from it, developing a very decent speed - about 70 km/h. Birds live in groups of several individuals; in natural conditions, various herbivores often coexist with them.
In their natural habitat, ostriches are characterized by omnivory. The hot climate is not conducive to the growth of various delicacies. The preferred food is vegetation, but birds can pick up leftovers from the meals of the predatory inhabitants of the savannah. If the need arises, the bird can do without food. This also applies to drinking water.
When the mating season begins, there are several females per male. After fertilization is successfully completed, all eggs are laid in a common nest. The father of the family incubates the offspring, leaving the female he likes more than the others to help.
The average weight of an ostrich baby at birth is 1000 grams. As soon as they hatch, the chicks are able to move normally, see perfectly, and after 24 hours they can get their own food.
Breeding ostriches in captivity requires compliance with certain conditions, which include proper care. In this case, individuals live well until the age of 70. Most often, these birds are kept on farms to produce eggs and feathers, which are highly valuable. There is also a very good demand for meat and leather materials. Races involving ostriches and horseback riding on these birds are no less popular.
Emu
The emu slightly resembles a cassowary in appearance. The bird reaches 150-190 centimeters in length, and its weight ranges from 30-50 kilograms. The animal is capable of speeds of about 50 kilometers per hour. This is facilitated by the presence of long legs, which enable birds to take steps up to 280 centimeters long.
Emus have absolutely no teeth, and in order to crush the food in their stomach, the birds swallow stones, glass and even pieces of metal. Animals not only have very strong and developed legs, but also excellent vision and hearing, which gives them the opportunity to detect predators earlier than they can attack.
About species and breed diversity
The most popular economic breeds that can be bred in the household are:
Each of the listed types has its own characteristics.
African ostriches
The breed itself can be divided into four varieties:
- black African;
- Namibian;
- Zimbabwean;
- Masai.
The last subspecies has the most aggressive character. But then the breeders found a way out: in order to breed a bird with good performance in meat products, they cross the Maasai with the Zimbabwean breed. The appearance of the African ostrich will not leave anyone indifferent because of its beauty. The feather color contains both white and black.
These birds must be kept at a temperature range from +22 to +36 degrees. It is necessary to build a large walking area and a winter room. First of all, experts bred ostriches to produce beautiful feathers and durable leather products. Having been neighbors with people for a long time, huge birds are easily tamed and make contact with their owner.
Nandu
To this day, scientists have not come to a consensus about the close relationship of the rhea with the black African variety. Externally, these birds are very similar, with an average weight of about 30 kg and a height of 130 cm.
A special distinguishing feature is the absence of feathers on the head and neck, and the color of the feathers on the body is a characteristic gray color. These ostriches prefer to eat food of plant origin.
The first difference from other brothers lies in the unusual color of the plumage. It can be gray or brown. Birds take second place due to their unusually high growth. The second distinctive feature is the absence of flight wings and underdeveloped skeleton. Among specialists, there are not many people who can distinguish birds by gender, looking only at their appearance.
Productive characteristics
In the wild, it is typical for most ostriches to begin laying eggs when they reach the age of 4 years. But when kept on a farm, this period is halved.
The benefits of ostrich farming can be seen using the following example:
- birds have good egg production - up to 80–100 eggs per production season;
- average egg weight up to 2 kg;
- incubation period 42–45 days;
- females are highly productive up to 35 years of age;
- males are 5 years older;
- The fertilization percentage of egg production is 90%.
It is important to know
Despite the fact that ostriches treat people well, during the breeding season the males show hostility that is unusual for them in normal times. During this period, farm staff must clearly understand and follow safety measures. To calm the males, special hooks are used, with the help of which the birds are knocked to the ground in order to disorientate them. If this does not help, then you can close the head of the breeder using a fabric bag in which a special slot is left for the beak.
What you need to know about feeding young animals?
After the ostrich chicks are born, experts do not advise giving them food. To saturate them with high-calorie substances, they use the yolk sac, the supply of which is enough for 3 days. From the fourth day you can give finely chopped greens mixed with feed intended for chickens.
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Natural enemies
Ostrich eggs are preyed upon by many predators, including jackals, adult hyenas and scavenger birds. For example, vultures use their beaks to grab a large and sharp stone, which they throw on top of an ostrich egg several times, causing the shell to crack.
Immature, recently hatched chicks are also often attacked by lions, leopards and cheetahs. As numerous observations show, the greatest natural losses in the African ostrich population are observed exclusively during the period of incubation of eggs, as well as during the raising of young animals.
However, one should not think that ostriches are too timid birds. Adults are strong and can be quite aggressive, so they are quite capable of standing up, if necessary, not only for themselves and their fellows, but also to easily protect their offspring. Angry ostriches, without hesitation, can attack people who encroach on the protected territory.
Famous breeds of ostriches – which one to choose?
It is well known that the ostrich is one of the largest birds existing in nature. This assumption is correct, since these animals can reach a weight of more than one hundred and fifty kilograms. The homeland of ostriches is considered to be Africa and Australia with semi-desert terrain, which is not limited by any vegetation. Today, almost all breeds of ostriches, photos and names of which will be discussed in this article , can be purchased and raised at home. Which ones are the most productive?
Ostrich breeds, photos and names
What do fleet-footed birds eat?
Ostriches are omnivores. Of course, the main food for them is plants (seeds, fruits, flowers, young shoots), but they can eat the remains of animal food from a predator, and sometimes also feed on insects, rodents and reptiles. As for drinking water, ostriches are not very whimsical here either. And is it really possible to be whimsical while living in hot Africa? Therefore, the bird’s body is adapted to rare drinking and tolerates it well.
Great rhea
The most famous breeds of ostriches
The word ostrich is translated from Greek into Russian as “camel sparrow”; it is this designation that quite accurately conveys many of the characteristics of this bird.
The following breeds of ostriches are distinguished:
• African ostrich. • Ostrich Nandu. • Ostrich Emu.
African ostrich. Speaking of ostriches, the first thing that comes to mind is the African ostrich; according to modern classification, this is the only true species of ostrich existing on the planet today. The remaining breeds cannot be classified as ostriches in principle; they are called only its closest relatives. The African ostrich is large in size, its height can be compared to the height of an adult stallion, which is a little more than two and a half meters. The weight of an African ostrich can often exceed one and a half centners.
African ostrich
Features of the African ostrich:
- although the ostrich is a bird, it cannot fly. The thing is that its bones are not hollow enough, which does not allow it to rise into the air, and besides, the ostrich does not have a keel; - an ostrich can run extremely fast for its height and weight; - the ostrich has a small head compared to the rest of the body. A large brain could not fit into such a head, so the bird is not very smart, but it has eyes that are recognized as one of the largest that can be found in animals; — another distinctive feature of the ostrich is the presence of two toes on the foot, one of which is topped with a terrifying claw.
African ostriches are usually divided into the following subspecies:
• Malian ostrich. • Somali ostrich: which is distinguished by the brown color of its feathers. • Masai ostrich: has feathers colored in a bright red hue.
Nandu. The next type of ostrich, or rather the brother of the African ostrich, can be called Nanda. Its homeland is considered to be South America, which is why it is often called the American ostrich. Similar features of these two breeds include the lack of flying skills and the same physique, although the American brother is smaller.
Rhea ostrich
Differences between the American ostrich and the African one:
- presence of three toes; - thickly feathered neck; — use of wings for improved acceleration; - the presence of hard formations on the wings, which have a common nature with the claws.
Some facts
Interesting facts about ostriches:
- The maximum recorded weight of an ostrich is 180 kg.
- The maximum recorded running speed is 98 km per hour.
- Although ostrich eggs are the largest among all birds, the ratio between the sizes of bird and egg is the smallest among all birds.
- One egg produces the same size scrambled eggs as 25 chicken eggs.
- The number of eggs in a nest from all females of the family can reach up to 80.
- The wingspan of an adult male reaches two meters.
- An adult bird carries about 3 kg of stones in its stomach to improve digestion.
- Ostrich meat not only has a pleasant taste, but is also low in cholesterol. fats and rich in calcium, proteins and iron.
- Chicks can hide in the thick plumage of the parent from the sun or in case of danger.
Ostrich breeds
The ostrich is the largest bird in the world; on average, its height reaches 2–2.5 m and its weight reaches 150 kg. It has a long neck without feathers, its body is covered with large curly feathers, it cannot fly, but it runs remarkably well, reaching speeds of over 50 km/h. Color may vary among individuals of different breeds. The birds' homeland and main habitat are Africa and Australia. In our latitudes there are ostrich farms where the main agricultural breeds are bred.
African ostriches
The African ostrich is the largest representative of these birds ; it lives in a dry, hot climate, mainly on sandy soils, and feeds mainly on vegetation. The breed is represented by four species, each of which has its own characteristics.
Black
This variety is characterized by high growth, often up to 270 cm, and an impressive weight of 150–160 kg. The birds are the largest representatives of the breed and have a dense build. Such individuals are unpretentious to the conditions of detention and can easily withstand temperatures from +35 to -20 ° C, which makes it possible to breed them in almost any climatic conditions.
The breed's egg production is 50–80 eggs per season from one female. Ostrich eggs are very large compared to specimens of other birds: their diameter is about 15–20 cm, weight is 1.5–2 kg.
Namibian
This subspecies is close in appearance to black ostriches, but is smaller in size: the average height of an individual is about 2 m, weight is up to 70 kg, while males are often smaller than females. A distinctive feature of the color is the blue neck, sparse plumage.
The breed's favorite habitat is savannas, with the exception of particularly dry areas. At the same time, birds are able to tolerate heat up to +50 °C, independently regulating heat exchange.
Egg production is average - about 40–45 eggs per season, weighing 1.1–1.5 kg.
Zimbabwean
This bird is not inferior in size to its black counterpart: height is about 2–2.5 m, weight of a male is 150 kg, a female is 120 kg. This species has blue skin on the neck, and the legs and beak are dark gray.
As a prominent representative of the African breed, the Zimbabwean variety has good egg production: 40–50 eggs per season, while producing very large specimens weighing 1.5–2.1 kg.
Masai
This breed is considered only half domesticated, since the bird gets along quite poorly with people. She lives in East Africa. In terms of external characteristics, this type is similar to the classic representative of the African breed, but the skin of the head, neck and legs has a pink-red tint.
Masai ostriches have very low productivity and are used in poultry farming only for crossing in order to obtain more productive and docile individuals.
The Australian species, according to its characteristics, can be classified as both ostrich-like and cassowary. This is a large bird, up to 170 cm tall and weighing about 55 kg. Unlike ordinary ostriches, it has three-toed feet and does not have a bladder. The plumage is hair-like, more reminiscent of wool, the color of the cover ranges from gray to dark brown with brown spots. It is noteworthy that males and females of this breed are practically indistinguishable in appearance.
Emu egg production is average; in one clutch, the female brings 7–8 dark blue eggs, 700–800 g each, which are then incubated by the male for 55–60 days. From a productivity standpoint, it is effective to farm emus to produce meat that has a very low fat content (about 1.5%) and is dietary.
Ostrich racing
Ostrich racing was invented by Kenyan farmers at the beginning of the last century in order to attract tourists. The new attraction not only pleased the guests, but also quickly gained popularity among breeders in Europe and America. For racing, birds are harnessed to carriages or jockeys sit astride them. Races with jockeys are rarely organized, since ostriches run quite fast, and it is not easy to sit on them and almost every start ends with people being injured. Ostrich races are held in a special area with a high fence and separated paths for birds. In Russia, ostrich races are rarely held, but lovers of these birds still have a chance to admire the spectacle in the summer months at ostrich farms near Moscow.
The process of taming a bird for a subsequent racing career begins from the very age, and only the strongest, smartest and not timid chicks need to be selected from the entire population.
What is the best breed to breed?
Breeding ostriches will become economically profitable if you clearly define what goals you are pursuing: obtaining eggs, meat or waste-free production. In addition, it is important to remember that birds of different breeds have different temperaments and requirements for living conditions. Which breed is most suitable for home breeding? Let's consider several options:
- If the purpose of poultry breeding is to obtain meat, then emus are the best choice in terms of characteristics: they are quite large, in addition, their meat has a high dietary value.
- If the purpose of keeping ostriches is to obtain eggs, it is worth taking a closer look at the rhea breed. These birds are not too whimsical, small, but capable of providing regular and abundant laying of eggs.
- Farmers consider the African ostrich to be their undoubted favorite. This breed not only has high productivity rates, but also versatility: not only eggs and meat, but also skin, feathers and poultry fat are used for various purposes. In addition, representatives of this breed live a very long time and have an easy-going character, which is important when kept on a farm.
What does it eat?
The emu bird is omnivorous, feeding on plants, inflorescences, and root crops.
He also loves small animals: mice, lizards, frogs, small birds, and swallows them whole. To improve and speed up the digestion of food, the ostrich uses small pebbles and sand. The bird prefers to eat pasture rather than pick it from branches. In captivity, ostriches are fed:
- hay;
- freshly cut grass;
- cereal crops.
Often added to the diet:
- vitamin and mineral complexes;
- meat of animals and birds;
- chicken eggs.
After just a year of balanced nutrition, young ostriches are practically no different from adults. The emu can go without water for quite a long time and easily tolerates drought. But when he finds himself next to a clean reservoir, he will drink a little.
