Ostriches are interesting creatures. They are the largest bird in the world and can weigh up to 400 pounds. They are also the only bird with two toes on each foot. While they are mostly known for their long necks and big eyes another interesting fact about ostriches is that they swallow stones.
There are a few reasons why ostriches swallow stones. One reason is that the stones help grind up food in the ostrich’s gizzard. The gizzard is a muscular stomach that helps break down food. The stones act as a sort of grinder and help to break down tough food like roots and grass.
Another reason why ostriches swallow stones is that they help keep the ostrich’s stomach full. Since ostriches have such long necks they need to be careful not to get too skinny. Swallowing stones helps to keep their stomachs full and their weight up.
Ostriches also swallow stones for calcium. Calcium is an important mineral for ostriches and they get it from eating rocks and pebbles. By swallowing stones ostriches are able to get the calcium they need to stay healthy.
So there are a few reasons why ostriches swallow stones. It helps them grind up food keep their stomachs full and get the calcium they need.
Do ostriches only swallow stones?
No the Stones help them grind up food in their gizzard since they don’t have teeth.
How many stones can an ostrich’s gizzard hold?
As many as 1.
5 kg.
What other things do ostrich’s gizzard’s contain?
Sand grit and pebbles.
How does having a gizzard help an ostrich?
Having a gizzard helps an ostrich because the stones in the gizzard help to grind up the food since they don’t have teeth.
Do all birds have gizzards?
No not all birds have gizzards.
What is the main purpose of a gizzard?
The main purpose of a gizzard is to help grind up food.
What would happen if an ostrich didn’t have a gizzard?
If an ostrich didn’t have a gizzard it wouldn’t be able to grind up its food and would probably starve to death.
Why do ostriches need to grind up their food?
Ostriches need to grind up their food because they don’t have teeth.
How does swallowing stones help ostriches grind up their food?
The stones help to grind up the food in the gizzard.
Do all animals need to grind up their food?
No not all animals need to grind up their food.
What would happen if an ostrich ate a really big stone?
If an ostrich ate a really big stone it might get stuck in the gizzard and the ostrich would probably die.
Are all stones good for ostriches to eat?
No not all stones are good for ostriches to eat.
Some stones might be poisonous or might be too big and get stuck in the gizzard.
How does an ostrich know which stones to eat?
Ostriches usually eat the stones that they find in their habitat.
Do ostriches need to eat stones every day?
No ostriches don’t need to eat stones every day but they usually do.
What would happen if an ostrich didn’t eat any stones for a long time?
If an ostrich didn’t eat any stones for a long time the food in its gizzard would probably not be ground up enough and the ostrich would probably starve to death.
