It takes between 35 and 45 days for an ostrich egg to hatch. The female ostrich will usually lay her eggs in a nest that she has built in the ground. She will then incubate the eggs turning them regularly to ensure that they develop evenly. Once the chicks hatch they are able to fend for themselves and will leave the nest within a few days.
There are a few things that can affect the incubation period of an ostrich egg. If the eggs are not turned frequently enough they will not develop properly and may not hatch at all. The temperature and humidity of the incubation environment can also impact the eggs as can the age of the eggs. Older eggs are generally harder to hatch than younger ones.
If you are incubating ostrich eggs it is important to be patient and to follow the proper procedures. With a little bit of care you should be able to successfully hatch some healthy ostrich chicks.
How long after an ostrich lays an egg will it begin to hatch?
Between 42 and 46 days.
How much does the average ostrich egg weigh?
About 3 pounds.
How many eggs will a female ostrich lay in a single season?
Between 10 and 20.
How many times can an ostrich egg be used for incubation before it becomes unviable?
3-4 times.
What is the temperature that ostrich eggs must be incubated at?
Between 95 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the optimum humidity for incubating ostrich eggs?
About 60%.
How often must ostrich eggs be turned during incubation?
3-4 times per day.
What happens if an ostrich egg is not turned during incubation?
The embryo will stick to the shell and die.
When can ostrich eggs be candled?
7-10 days after incubation has begun.
How is candling ostrich eggs performed?
A bright light is shone through the egg to check on the development of the embryo.
What does the appearance of a viable ostrich embryo look like during candling?
A dark spot in the center of the egg.
How long does it take for an ostrich chick to hatch?
About 28-32 days.
How much does a newly hatched ostrich weigh?
About 2 pounds.
What is the first thing that an ostrich chick will do after hatching?
It willdry off and fluff up its feathers.
How long will it take for an ostrich chick to be fully grown?
About 1-2 years.
