Ostriches are not pure carnivores– while they primarily eatmeat they will also consume vegetable matter on occasion. Their diet generally includes berries seeds and leaves in addition to small prey animals.
Interestingly while they have no teeth ostriches do have gizzards– a muscular thick-walled part of the stomach that contains small stones. These stones grind up the food in the gizzard allowing the ostrich to digest its prey properly.
While they are not pure carnivores ostriches are definitely meat-eaters and most of their diet revolves around small prey animals.
What is an ostrich’s diet typically composed of?
Ostriches are mostly carnivorous feeding on insects lizards snakes rodents and small mammals.
Do ostriches typically hunt their prey?
No ostriches do not typically hunt their prey.
Instead they mostly scavenge for food or wait for prey to approach them.
What type of beak do ostriches have?
Ostriches have a sharp curved beak that is well-suited for tearing meat.
How big are ostrich eggs?
Ostrich eggs are usually about six inches in diameter and weigh about three pounds.
How many eggs does a female ostrich typically lay?
A female ostrich typically lays between 10 and 15 eggs.
How do ostriches incubate their eggs?
Ostriches incubate their eggs by using their body heat.
The female will typically turn the eggs several times a day to ensure that they are evenly heated.
How long does it take for an ostrich egg to hatch?
It takes an ostrich egg about 40 to 42 days to hatch.
How long do ostriches live?
Ostriches typically live between 25 and 30 years.
What is the average weight of an ostrich?
The average weight of an ostrich is between 150 and 250 pounds.
What is the average height of an ostrich?
The average height of an ostrich is between seven and nine feet.
What is the fastest speed that an ostrich can run?
The fastest speed that an ostrich can run is about 40 miles per hour.
Are ostriches good swimmers?
No ostriches are not good swimmers.
In fact they usually avoid water if possible.
Where do ostriches live?
Ostriches typically live in Africa in areas with open plains woodlands or savannas.
Are ostriches endangered?
No ostriches are not currently endangered.
What is the national bird of Botswana?
The national bird of Botswana is the ostrich.
