Chick Rearing &
Management Practices
Ostrich Nutrition
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Entering the Ostrich
Industry
Acquiring Livestock
The Ostrich industry has evolved considerably over the past
five years. Newcomers
to the industry now have many options that were not available in the past years.
Information is easier to obtain regarding various aspects of ostrich farming,
and much
of the ground work for the future has been laid.
In the Philippines there are less then 2000 Ostriches and
there is not much breeder stock
available and Ostrich have to be imported until we built up the stock levels to
a point
where we are able to supply the locally raised birds into the marketplace.
This can take five to eight years at the present situation!
Before staring to purchase Ostriches it is
advisable to plan your Farm 3 to 6 month
before you actually start your Farm and get professional advice.
I recommend to visit several farms ( where possible ) and
learn first hand about the different
varieties of Ostrich and to see the different facilities used in raising them.
The importance
of this can not be stressed enough. You can learn much about what it is like to
raise Ostrich,
and a great deal about practical ways in rearing Ostrich.
Be sure to visually inspect ( wen possible ) birds that you
buy. Look for fast-growing birds,
with straight legs, good feet, an even gait, clear shining eyes, and good
feather cover.
Feathers should have the glossy sheen that comes with good nutrition and
excellent health.
Birds should be active, curious, and move quickly with the group - a bird that
languishes
off by itself, with drooping neck and body posture, is not a healthy bird.
It is recommended that you also hand inspect birds before you
purchase. Feel legs, thighs,
for lumps scars or deformities. Palpate the abdomen to insure that it is soft
and clear
of impaction. Feel the upper back to assess if the bird is the proper weight.
It is normal for the bony backbone to protrude above the adjacent flesh. If the
bird
is overweight, the fat layer on each side of the backbone will be easily
palpable,
giving a heart-shaped feel and appearance to the backbone area.
You can double-check a bird's weight by feeling for fatty deposits over the
breast plate below the neck.
This area should also be bony to touch.