The Ostrich that scientifically goes by the name “Struthio Camelus”.
Struthio Camelus means “camel like”.
The Ostrich is the largest bird in the world that is unable to fly, it is innate to South Africa grasslands and savannas.
Ostriches can grow to measure 5.7 feet to 9.4 feet in height and their weight can be up to 130 – 150 kilograms. Despite their inability to fly, Ostriches have small wings that are sheltered with soft and fluffy feathers. The wings are too small compared to the size of an ostrich, so that makes it impossible for the wings to lift the Ostriches heavy bodies off the ground and into the air, nevertheless the wings are used as guiding spirit while running to help them change direction.
A baby Ostrich is called a chick; an adult female Ostrich is called a hen, An adult male Ostrich is called a “Rooster” when they’re in a group, a group of Ostriches is called a Herd.
The Ostrich belongs to a family called “ratite” Ratite means flightless birds
Other birds in the Ratite family include: Kiwis, Emus, Cassowaries and Rheas.
Ostriches possesses a flat broad beak, long bare necks and big round eyes. They have long and powerful legs and solid feet with two sharp claws on each foot which they use for their defence. Their gigantic leg muscles provide them the means to deliver a powerful kick that could seriously injure or even kill an attacker. Ostriches only kick forward and the kick of an Ostrich can even kill a Lion.
The Ostrich Diet
Ostriches are omnivorous by nature, that implies that they feed on both meat and plants. They eat more of plants leaves, seeds, and roots, which means that they actually have a preference for plants. They also enjoy eating smaller animals like rodents, lizards, snakes and locusts.
One strange thing about Ostriches is that they eat sand and pebbles, according to San Diego zoo in California the sand and pebbles they eat is to help crush food in their gizzard before it reaches the stomach.
Ostriches don't always drink water; they get water from the plants they eat. On the other hand, they’ll drink water if they come across a water source.
Comparison Between the Productivity of Cattle and Ostrich
I’m not trying to discourage cattle breeders but if you want to make real profit, Ostrich rearing is worth giving a shot.