Ostrich farming is mainly done to meet the market demand for their amazing eggs. The eggs have an amazing doctoral strength and are able to cure a number of uncured diseases.
An ostrich can lay about 30 eggs an year until it reaches 35 years old. It can weigh averagely 40-50 kg having 5-8 litres of oil in is fat. This oil is highly demanded by the people but it is produced less. Apart from this, the feet along with leather that comes out of its skin and its wings are very precious. The there are different prices of its nails teeth and hair. Overall, an ostrich can give you 100 times the initial input. They are 5 ft in height and have a long life of up to 40 years.
Starting an ostrich farm
When opening a new ostrich farm first learn the behaviour of the ostrich bird. This will help in creating good relationship with them. In cool atmosphere they can be found single or in a pair but their breeding season is summer. During this time they live in a group of around 10-50 birds.
In each group there is a dominant female ostrich. Ostriches have great vision and hearing capabilities. If they are attacked, they can run at a speed of 72km/h with their strong long legs.
Feeding, Mating and Hatching
Ostriches survive on green grass, plant flowers, fruits, tree leaves, grains and poultry feed. They do not cost more for their fodder. However for commercial ostrich farming, poultry feed is best.
Ostriches become sexually mature at the age of 3-4 years but the female birds become mature earlier. Around 6 months earlier than male birds. After mating season, female lay eggs in a big hole 16 cm long, 14 cm wide with egg weighing 1.5kg. After 45 days the eggs hatch. The male takes care of them.
Ostrich care and products
Ostrich chicks should be kept inside the house for about 2 months maintaining a temperature range of 26 to 32 degree celsius. Serve them 4 times a day. A good source of water, food and hay are essential.
Ostrich eggs are nutritious and cholesterol free thus high demand. There is great demand for ostrich meat in the market because it is 98% cholesterol free and with excellent protein content. Ostrich oil is used by pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies to make drugs and cosmetics. Skin is used for making leather items and wings are used in fashion and craft industry. Every part earns money.
