The last issue introduced the giraffe, and the protagonist in this issue is still a guy with a long neck, and unlike the animals I talked about earlier, ostriches are allowed to be kept privately.
Ostrich is the largest living bird on Earth, and it is widely distributed in Africa and Asia. Below we will discuss the basic characteristics, living habits, strength speed, reproduction and longevity, how to raise and meat quality of ostriches.
The ostrich is a very tall and strong bird, with an average height of about 2.5 meters and a weight of about 100-150 kilograms. They have long, strong legs and two toes on each foot that are forward and backward, allowing them to run fast. In addition, their wings, although not flying, help them balance and steer. Ostriches also have very small heads, long necks, large eyes, and curved mouths, features that make them highly recognizable.
Ostrich prefers to live in dry and open areas, such as grasslands, deserts or semi-desert areas. They do not like humid environments and therefore hardly appear during the rainy season. Ostrich is a plant-based animal that often eats plant foods such as grass, leaves, bark and seeds. In addition, they will also peck at small invertebrates and stones in search of some mineral substances.
Although ostriches cannot fly, they have a very amazing ability to run. They can reach speeds of around 70 kilometers per hour when moving. At the same time, thanks to its long and strong legs, the ostrich is able to easily kick forward with a very powerful kick to ward off enemies and may even repel natural predators such as jackals.
Ostrich usually begin sexual maturity around the age of three and are highly fertile, and their reproductive process usually occurs between February and September. Female ostriches give their eggs to males to hatch after nesting, and the incubation period is about 40-45 days. Ostriches can live up to about 50 years.
In general, ostriches lay relatively stable eggs per clutch, usually around 20-30. However, it should be noted that the egg production of ostriches is affected by many factors, such as environment, climate, feed, etc., so the number of eggs produced will also fluctuate.
Ostrich can now be found on farms and theme parks, and they are a great animal to keep. Ostriches usually need an open area to run and need to be provided with enough water and food. In addition, we need not to disturb ostriches, as they are very frightened.
Ostrich meat is tender, rich in taste, rich in nutrients, and higher in protein than other poultry, and is known as "the beef of the steppe". At present, ostrich meat has become a characteristic poultry meat in the mainland and has been widely welcomed.
Ostrich eggs can usually reach 15 cm wide and 20 cm long and weigh between 1.4-2 kg. Ostrich eggs are more nutritious than eggs, containing more nutrients, such as vitamins A, B, C, and elements such as protein, calcium and iron. Ostrich eggs are high in protein and low in fat, so they have also become one of the favorite delicacies for fitness people and dieters.
To sum up, the ostrich is a strong and unique bird that has a very outstanding performance in all aspects. However, we also need to protect the ecology of wild ostrich and prevent overhunting and the decline of natural environments such as forests/grasslands.