Do Ostriches Sit On Their Eggs | Find Out Here

Do Ostriches Sit On Their Eggs?

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In the wild ostriches typically nest in a scrape which is a shallow depression in the ground that the female ostrich scrapes out with her feet. She then lays her eggs in the scrape and covers them with sand soil and sometimes bits of vegetation. Once the eggs are laid the male and female take turns incubating them.

It is commonly believed that ostriches bury their heads in the sand when they sense danger. This is a myth! When an ostrich senses danger it will sometimes lie flat on the ground with its head and neck stretched out making it look like a part of the landscape.

Ostriches are interesting creatures and there is still much that scientists do not know about them. For example it is not known why ostriches sometimes sit on their eggs during incubation and sometimes don’t. One theory is that sitting on the eggs helps to keep them warm but this has not been proven.

If you find an ostrich egg it is best not to disturb it. Ostriches are endangered and their eggs are protected by law in many countries.

Which bird lays the largest eggs?

The ostrich.

How many eggs does an ostrich typically lay?

10 to 12.

How long does it take an ostrich egg to hatch?

42 to 46 days.