Raising Ostriches: The Giant Bird for Meat, Eggs and Leather

Ostriches are farmed as much like livestock as poultry - the world's largest bird, raised on acreage for lean red meat, enormous eggs, plumes and premium leather. They are a serious, specialized undertaking, needing strong fencing, real space, and healthy respect: a grown ostrich, especially a breeding male, is powerful and can be dangerous.

Is it right for you?

Ostriches suit an experienced, well-resourced farmer with acreage and secure facilities, not a beginner. They are a commercial-scale, potentially dangerous animal.

Space & Housing

They need large paddocks with tall, strong fencing and shelter from extreme weather; each bird requires substantial space to run.

Feeding & Daily Care

Feed a specialized ratite ration plus forage and greens, with grit and constant water. Handle them carefully, always aware of their powerful forward kick.

Getting Started

Begin only with proper facilities, training and ideally mentorship; source healthy stock from an established ostrich farm and build robust fencing first.

Health & Common Problems

Chicks are delicate and prone to leg and digestive problems; adults are hardy but injuries and handling accidents are real risks. Biosecurity and careful husbandry matter.

What You Get

Large quantities of lean red meat, enormous eggs, feathers, and valuable leather from a single big animal.

Costs & Effort

High - significant land, strong fencing, specialized feed and skilled, cautious handling. This is a commercial venture, not a casual one.

Common Mistakes

Underestimating their strength and danger, weak fencing, and treating delicate chicks like poultry are the serious errors.

FAQ

Are they dangerous? Yes - especially breeding males; handle only with training and proper facilities.

Beginner animal? No - they are a specialized, commercial-scale undertaking.