Do Ostriches Need Water?
The simple answer is yes ostriches do need water. In fact all animals need water to survive. Water makes up about 60% of an ostrich’s body weight.
Water is essential for many of the body’s functions including regulating body temperature metabolizing food and transporting nutrients and wastes. Without water the body cannot function properly and will eventually die.
While ostriches can get some of the water they need from the food they eat they must also drink water to stay hydrated. A healthy ostrich will drink about 2-3 gallons (7.5-11.5 liters) of water per day.
Ostriches live in a variety of habitats from dry deserts to wet rainforests. In hot dry environments ostriches get most of the water they need from the plants they eat. These plants store water in their leaves and stems which the ostriches can then access.
In wetter environments such as rainforests ostriches get most of their water from drinking. They will also eat fruits and vegetables that are high in water content such as watermelons and cucumbers.
If an ostrich does not have access to water it will become dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to a variety of health problems including heat stroke kidney failure and death.
It is important to give your ostrich access to clean fresh water at all times. If you live in a hot climate it is especially important to make sure your ostrich has plenty of water to drink.
Resources:
1. “Ostriches.” National Geographic Kids. National Geographic Society 01 Jan. 2016. Web. 28 Mar. 2016.
2. “Animal Facts: Ostriches.” KidsKonnect. N.p. n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2016.
3. “Ostrich.” San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants. San Diego Zoo Global n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2016.
How much water do ostriches need to drink per day?
Ostriches need to drink about 10 litres of water per day.
Where do ostriches get most of their water from?
Ostriches get most of their water from the food they eat.
Do ostriches sweat?
Ostriches sweat through the pores in their feet.
How do ostriches keep cool?
Ostriches keep cool by panting and by flapping their wings.
What is the average body temperature of an ostrich?
The average body temperature of an ostrich is 41 degrees Celsius.
How does an ostrich regulate its body temperature?
An ostrich regulates its body temperature by adjusting the blood flow to its skin.
Do ostriches have goosebumps?
Ostriches do not have goosebumps.
How do ostriches reduce heat build-up?
Ostriches reduce heat build-up by panting and by flapping their wings.
How much shade do ostriches need?
Ostriches need about 10 hours of shade per day.
What are the consequences of heat stress in ostriches?
The consequences of heat stress in ostriches include dehydration heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
How can you tell if an ostrich is dehydrated?
You can tell if an ostrich is dehydrated by looking for signs of sunken eyes dry mouth and lethargy.
What is the cause of most ostrich deaths in hot weather?
The cause of most ostrich deaths in hot weather is dehydration.
What is the best way to prevent dehydration in ostriches?
The best way to prevent dehydration in ostriches is to provide them with plenty of fresh water and shade.
What are the signs of heat exhaustion in ostriches?
The signs of heat exhaustion in ostriches include panting increased body temperature and increased heart rate.
What are the signs of heat stroke in ostriches?
The signs of heat stroke in ostriches include increased body temperature increased heart rate and seizures.
