getting ostrich chicks--need info please

[schoebel_taylor]

Hi. I decided that i am going to buy some ostrich chicks. I am completly new to them and i need your opinion on owning them. My uncle owns a zoo and he has some and i love them. Any help would appreciated.

 

[jenjscott]

I am so jealous. I would like to have some exotic birds but It floods here every once in a while and I'm afraid moving everybody out and back in occasionally would be a real rodeo. Its bad enough with chickens on my back porch. I know where we are there are special requirements on the type of fencing you have to have and a permit. Since they have been raised for meat, the agriculture extension office might have some information on them for you.

 

[nop169]

Good Luck! Ostriches are neat birds but can be fickle & dangerous when in rut. The young ones will eat anything & both sand colic (compacted crop) & foriegn object issues are common. Around here the fanciers feed a mix of grain including alfalfa pellets with mineral oil mixed into the feed to lubricate the digestive track. As Adults oil is also mixed in the feed & often put in their water also. They all love greens of any kind & need grass for good health. After about 2 years the males begin to rut as noted by the really red colored face & legs & they can become quite aggressive. I know of several severe injuries to owners & 2 deaths. Most people place the fencing about 2 ft off the ground for adults so that the owner can escape a charge by rolling under the fence. These birds are strong so the fencing has to be grade A strong. If there are children in th household or nearby you will nedd 2 fences one for the birds & one peremiter fence to keep people esp children away. I urge you to research them well & visit experienced handlers in your area before comitting to them as they can be dangerous & live to be in their 20s routinely!