are ostriches profitable

[Small Farm]

Anybody know where I can get chicks?

 

[leroy25780]

Actually, the sale of fertile eggs only amounts to about $40-50 per egg and day old chicks only around $125-150. However, the meat is the big seller. With about forty pounds of trim/ground (@ approx. $10/lb wholesale), thirty pounds of steak cuts (@ approx $14/lb wholesale), and fifteen or so pounds of filet cuts (@ approx. $18-22/lb wholesale). Higher prices are possible with online retail or specialty markets.

The feathers/plumes will bring about $25 per bird total for decent quality feathers. The long bones, tendons, and offal (hearts, gizzards, livers) are sold for pet treats and bring about $25 per bird. Those can be processed and sold online or at specialty markets for considerably more. It's amazing what people will spend on their pets for all-natural organic treats.

Finally, the hides average about 15 square feet and once tanned are sold on a graded system of 1-4, depending on the quality of the hide with scarring and cuts affecting the grade level. Grade 1 tanned hides bring about $30 per square foot. Each drop in grade drops that price about $2-3 per foot.

So, in sum, ostriches can be profitable. They take tremendous work and care in a commercial operation--similar to owning a dairy. The input costs are high to setup and also high to carry over a crop of chicks for a year to the slaughter stage. Thus, most persons interested in farming them will lack sufficient space, time, reasonably cheap feed sources, and the funds to properly execute a true commercial ostrich operation.

thanks for the summary of all the things that can make profit. Do you have any experience raising them.

 

[TX914]

Anybody know where I can get chicks?

If you are in Idaho, there is a large farm in Kuna. You may try contacting to see if they sell any chicks. There is also an ostrich farm in Central Oregon. It would be best for you to locate some close enough to drive to pick up. Also, you may consider checking out the American Ostrich Association page to locate chicks or farms located close to you.

 

[TX914]

thanks for the summary of all the things that can make profit. Do you have any experience raising them.

You're very welcome, and yes.

 

[Doc McCluckins]

Best way to make a million bucks as a small farmer is to start off with two million...

Gary

Start with 2 million AND work your tail off. You might still have a million when you're done

 

[Small Farm]

Do you know the name/ location in Kuna... Or Oregon?

 

[leroy25780]

You're very welcome, and yes.

can you please tell me more on how you raise and care for them

 

[TX914]

Do you know the name/ location in Kuna... Or Oregon?

I would suggest trying the search feature on the American Ostrich Association page to find contact info for them or Google.

 

[TX914]

can you please tell me more on how you raise and care for them

Leroy, you can send me a PM and we can discuss further. Maybe we can help you locate an ostrich farmer near your location that you can go and visit with and see how they are raised and cared for.

 

[leroy25780]

Leroy, you can send me a PM and we can discuss further. Maybe we can help you locate an ostrich farmer near your location that you can go and visit with and see how they are raised and cared for.

what is a PM. and i live in namibia so i dont know if that would be possible but thanks anyways