If you’re considering adding an ostrich to your family there are a few things you should know first. While they are interesting and exotic animals they definitely are not low-maintenance pets. In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping an ostrich as a pet from their diet and housing requirements to their temperament.
Ostriches are the largest living bird in the world and can weigh up to 350 pounds and grow to 9 feet tall. They are native to Africa and prefer hot dry climates. In the wild they live in small herds of 5-50 birds.
Ostriches are mostly herbivorous eating a diet of leaves flowers fruit and seeds. However they will also occasionally eat insects small lizards and other small animals. In captivity they should be fed a diet of commercial ostrich feed hay and a small amount of vegetables.
As for housing ostriches need a lot of space. A minimum of 1000 square feet is recommended per bird and they should have access to a large fenced area where they can roam and exercise. Ostriches will also do well in a barn or shed as long as they have plenty of room to move around.
When it comes to temperament ostriches can be skittish and easily startled. They are also strong and powerful animals so they need to be handled with care. They can be aggressive especially during mating season and have been known to attack humans and other animals.
So are ostriches good pets? That depends on what you’re looking for in a pet. If you have the space and resources to care for one and you’re prepared to handle them with caution and respect then an ostrich could make a unique and interesting addition to your family.
Do ostrich make good pets?
No ostrich do not make good pets.
Why don’t ostrich make good pets?
Ostrich are skittish and easily startled which can lead to them lashing out and injuring their owner.
They also require a lot of space and their diet is very specific.
Where do ostrich come from?
Ostrich are native to Africa and were first domesticated in Egypt.
How big do ostrich get?
Male ostrich can grow to be up to 9 feet tall and weigh up to 400 pounds.
What do ostrich eat?
Ostrich are mostly herbivores and their diet consists mostly of plants and seeds.
How long do ostrich live?
Ostrich can live to be between 40 and 50 years old.
What is the difference between male and female ostrich?
Male ostrich are usually much larger than females and also have longer necks and legs.
Males also tend to be more aggressive than females.
How many eggs does a female ostrich lay?
A female ostrich can lay up to 50 eggs per year.
How long does it take for an ostrich egg to hatch?
It takes an ostrich egg about 42 days to hatch.
What is the smallest ostrich egg on record?
The smallest ostrich egg on record was about the size of a chicken egg.
What is the largest ostrich egg on record?
The largest ostrich egg on record was about the size of a watermelon.
How much does the average ostrich egg weigh?
The average ostrich egg weighs about 3 pounds.
What is the heaviest ostrich egg on record?
The heaviest ostrich egg on record weighed about 9 pounds.
Do ostrich eggs taste good?
Some people say that ostrich eggs taste like a cross between a chicken egg and an avocado.
How do you cook an ostrich egg?
You can cook an ostrich egg the same way you would cook a chicken egg.
