If you are considering adopting an ostrich as a pet, you will need to have in-depth knowledge about the animal’s characteristics and native habitat. Similarly, it is essential to know what type of land is suitable for breeding them in captivity.
The ostrich is the largest of all the bird species, reaching heights up to 8′ tall and 350#. They originally came from Africa
and southern Asia. There are 3 or more different subspecies. Ostriches are members of a group of birds called ratites. Emus, Rheas, Kiwis and Cassowaries are other species of the same group of flightless birds. The information about housing and diet requirements for most birds is not very complete; as compared to chickens and poultry that have been domesticated for centuries. For this reason you will hear many different ways to feed and raise ostriches. Each area of the country also has its own different requirements for taking care of ostriches. We are only providing general information within this handout.
They are also very territorial and aggressive animals. Domestic ostriches are somewhat smaller and more docile, but their temperament and relationship with human beings do not make them very compatible as pets. Ostriches have a small brain in comparison with their body and their responses are very primal.
Ostriches, or Struthio camelus, are the largest existing birds on the planet. They live in various sub-Saharan regions of Africa and, given their size and weight, flying is impossible for them. However they are exceptionally good at running.
If you are considering adopting an ostrich as a pet, you will need to have in-depth knowledge about the animal’s characteristics and native habitat. Similarly, it is essential to know what type of land is suitable for breeding them in captivity.
Keep reading this AnimalWised article to find out more about this fascinating bird in more detail, so that you can discover whether you can have a pet ostrich.
Ostriches as pets
Another reason to breed ostriches that’s currently becoming more popular is to adopt and keep ostriches as pets.
A baby ostrich is very easy to find, and this means that many people adopt a hatchling ostrich to satisfy their curiosity of such an exotic bird. However, many people who buy them are unaware of how quickly these birds grow and the latent danger that exists in their powerful legs and claws, which consist of two steel-sharp nails when they become adults.
How big are ostriches?
In the wild, male ostriches can grow up to almost 3 meters (9 feet) in height and weigh 180 kg (almost 400 pounds). They are also very territorial and aggressive animals. Domestic ostriches are somewhat smaller and more docile, but their temperament and relationship with human beings do not make them very compatible as pets.
Ostriches have a small brain in comparison with their body and their responses are very primal. They can confuse a person’s friendly approach as an attack, and will defend themselves by kicking the intruder, which can cause serious injury or even death.
How fast do ostriches grow?
Ostriches grow very quickly. When they hatch, they are 25 cm (10 inches) tall and weigh 1 kg (2 pounds). From this moment on they can gain more than 400 grams (about 1 pound) in weight each day. Within two months, they can weigh between 15 and 20 kg (33 to 44 pounds).
When they reach a year or so, ostriches already weigh 100 kg (more than 200 pounds) and continue to grow until reaching adulthood, at around three years old. Obviously, you can only adopt an ostrich if you live in a rural environment or have a very large garden.
The average lifespan of a wild ostrich is 30 to 40 years, while domestic ostriches can live for up to 50 years.
