Ostrich, Emu, and Rhea Production

In recent years, ostrich, emu, and rhea farming has become popular among small-scale or part-time farmers in the United States due to minimal land and husbandry requirements. These ratites are characterized by flightlessness, the ability to run, and the absence of a keel on their breastbone. Ostriches, emus, and rheas are hardy animals and can easily adapt to a multitude of climatic conditions due to their unique feather patterns.⁽⁸⁾

Background

The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is indigenous to Africa and has been raised there commercially since the mid-1800s. Originally these birds were hunted and raised for their prized feathers, which were used in hats, costumes, and feather dusters. In 1882, the first ostrich was brought to the United States and, shortly after, farming began in Arizona, Florida, and Georgia for feather production. Ostrich feathers were a gold mine until World War I when changes in fashion and economics killed the market. After World War II, the demand for ostrich leather and meat grew.⁽⁸⁾ The late 1980s resulted in a great increase in ostrich farming in the United States with high prices for meat, breeding pairs, and eggs. A lot of investors funded the spike, some buying and selling animals without ever touching the animals themselves. Eventually, the market had enough stock to create the product, but there was not enough demand leading to prices drastically dropping and investors and farmers going bankrupt. Since then, the market still struggles to find the correct balance between production and demand.⁽⁷⁾

The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) originated in Australia about 80 million years ago. In Australia, aborigines used the emu as a meat source and their plumage for costumes.⁽¹⁾ Emus were first brought to the United States between 1930 and 1950. In the 1990s, the diet fad was low-fat everything. This led to a bunch of farmers producing ostriches and emus for meat, as they have very low-fat content for red meat. Like ostrich farming, there was a high spike in production, but the demand never followed likely because of the higher price for meat compared to conventional cattle meat. A lot of emu farms were run to the ground either giving away their animals, letting them starve, or culling their herds to not put more money into the failed production. Emus are now used mostly for the oil that can be made from their fat patch. The oil is said to have a lot of positive effects on aging and is used as an anti-inflammatory.⁽⁷⁾

The Rhea (Rhea americana) is native to the lowland steppes and high plains of South America. Rhea farming went through a similar boom and bust as ostriches and emus. Currently, less than 2,000 rheas are being farmed in the United States.⁽⁸⁾

Species Characteristics

Ostriches are the largest living birds, standing about ten feet tall and weighing nearly 400 pounds. Although there is one true species of ostrich, several subspecies are acknowledged. Ostriches are natural grazers, and their diet consists of plants, fruits, and insects.⁽²⁾ Males and females reach adulthood at 30 and 20 months respectively and breeding usually starts at age two and a half to three years. The average life span of an ostrich in the wild is 70 years and reproductive life can exceed 40 years. The laying season commences in February and extends until August, varying with location.⁽⁸⁾ A female usually lays eggs every other day and may produce 30 to 50 eggs per season. The incubation period is 42 to 43 days, and the male is the one who lays on the eggs and raises the young in the wild. In captivity, it is usual to collect the eggs and use an incubator. Ostrich eggs are white to cream-colored and weigh about three pounds. Birds are usually slaughtered at 10–14 months. Male ostriches are characterized by solid black feathers with white wing tips, while females are smaller and brownish-gray.⁽²⁾ Defense mechanisms include the ability to run at 30 miles per hour for a sustained period and using the toenail as a weapon when kicking.⁽²⁾

Emus are smaller than ostriches, weighing about 120 pounds and standing about five feet at maturity. Emus reach sexual maturity at 18 months to three years. Female emus start laying at one and a half to three years and may continue until 25 years old.⁽¹⁾ Eggs are laid every three to four days and the female may produce 20 to 40 eggs per season. The breeding season begins in early December and ends in April depending on the location, with an incubation period of 48 to 56 days. This bird defends itself, as ostriches do, by running, kicking, and swimming.⁽¹⁾

Rheas stand four to five feet tall and weigh 60–80 pounds at maturity. The breeding season extends from early March until August. The females start laying eggs at 18 to 24 months and can produce as many as 60 eggs per season.⁽⁶⁾

Management

Ratites have minimal housing requirements and are adapted to living in a variety of climates. Most ratites are housed in pairs, or with the rhea, a breeding trio (two females and one male). Emus and ostriches require at least 1 acre of land per pair or trio. Fence height should be at least six feet for ostrich and emus and at least five feet for rheas. When designing the pen, note that it is common for ratites to get their legs or heads caught in the fence. One solution is to use a high-tensile or chain-link fence. A "crawl out" space in the fence about 36 to 48 cm above the ground can be useful for human escape when the birds get aggressive. To decrease the risk of leg deformities and constipation, pens should also provide adequate room for the birds to exercise. To protect the birds from the elements, a free-access shelter should be constructed inside the pen. Suggested shelter dimensions for housing a pair of ostriches are 20 feet by 20 feet. For a pair or trio of emus and rheas, the implied dimensions are 10 feet by 10 feet. Food and fresh water should be continuously available. Feeders should be kept under shelter to keep food dry.⁽⁶⁾

Identification of birds is a vital part of record keeping. A temporary means for identifying animals is a plastic or rubber band fastened around the ankle or above the hock. Permanent identification methods include tattooing under the wing or inserting a microchip that is readable by a scanner.⁽⁶⁾

Nutrition

Nutrition is an important part of ratite management. Ratite feed is becoming more available, but turkey and gamebird feed also works well. All birds should be provided with fresh water and a source of grit.⁽⁵⁾ Grit aids in digestion and sources include small stones or a commercial form available from feed stores. From hatching to two days old, ostriches should be supplied with plenty of water, continuous light, and a quality ratite, turkey, or game bird starter with a minimum of 18% crude protein.⁽⁴⁾ This is the most difficult stage in ostrich rearing because chicks will consume anything and may overindulge, causing impaction. Severe constipation resulting in an impacted colon is the most common cause of death in hatchlings. A ratite starter crumble or chicken or turkey starter with 18% crude protein should be offered ad libitum for the first three weeks.⁽³⁾ After three weeks, feed the same diet ad libitum twice daily. Alfalfa pellets can be offered free choice. Vitamins and electrolytes, at the prescribed doses, should be dissolved into their drinking water beginning at two to three weeks of age. Water should be made available after hatching, and grass can be introduced two days after hatching.

As the birds grow and age, their requirements change. As yearlings (six to 18 months), ratites should consume a commercial ratite grower or turkey-broiler grower with 18% to 24% crude protein. If grass is not available, a source containing 11 to 12% fiber should be provided.⁽³⁾

The last nutritional stage takes place after sexual maturity. Females should be fed a ratite layer or breeder ration with at least 24.5% crude protein.⁽³⁾ In addition, ostriches should be fed a supplemental alfalfa source. Pellets or cubes are preferred to hay because they produce less waste and are more convenient. A calcium supplement should be added to the diet to replenish the supply used in egg production.

Biosecurity

The most worrisome disease with ratites is avian influenza. Sound health practices can reduce or eliminate the spread of disease throughout a flock.⁽⁵⁾ It is recommended that ratites and other species (domestic and game birds) on the farm be separated due to the possible spread of disease. Rodents and predators should be discouraged from animal areas by storing food in tightly sealed containers. If you have a variety of birds on your farm, house them in different areas. If isolated housing is impossible, separate species by fences. When introducing new birds to your flock, isolate the latest birds for approximately 30 days. This also allows the veterinarian to do blood screening and test for parasites and salmonella.⁽¹⁰⁾

Animal facilities should be sanitized regularly. Feeds should be kept dry and stored off the floor. Water and feed troughs should be cleaned regularly. Good ventilation will help keep indoor pens dry. It is recommended that buildings be disinfected using a soap and water combination. After washing, the area can be sanitized with a 5% bleach and water mixture. Minimize the introduction of new diseases by reducing the number of visitors to key areas of the farm.⁽¹⁰⁾

Products

Ratites produce four marketable products: meat, hide, feathers, and oil. Ratite meat is being marketed as a healthy alternative to beef. In comparison with beef, ratite meat is similar in color, flavor, and texture, but with less fat and cholesterol (see table below). It has appeared on some fine American restaurant menus since 1992. In 2021, ground ostrich is sold at $10/lb. and filets reach upwards of $30/lb.⁽⁷⁾ Ratite hide possesses a distinctive quill pattern and is very supple, attracting bootmakers and leather artisans. The grading of the hides is based on any imperfections, such as scars. Today, the market for feathers is limited due to cost-effectiveness. In the United States, harvesting feathers is labor-intensive, requiring collection, sorting, cleaning, and dyeing. Emu oil, another ratite product, comes from under the belly and is used for skin care products due to its penetrating qualities. An emu's backfat deposit provides 4 to 5 liters of oil that has been used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. Aborigines have used this oil to treat joint inflammation for hundreds of years. It is claimed that emu oil can reduce inflammation and can be used to alleviate pain and swelling associated with arthritis. In 2024. 1 gallon of fully refined emu oil goes for around $250. Egg shells and claws are also used by artists to make pieces like as ornaments and jewelry.⁽⁷⁾

Species	Fat	Calories	Protein
Emu	4.7 g	164 kcal	28.4 g
Beef	19 g	243 kcal	17.5 g
Pork	17.5 g	228 kcal	17.8 g
Ostrich	7.1 g	175 kcal	26.2 g

Getting Started

A producer may choose one of several options when starting to raise ratites. One option is to purchase and incubate the eggs.⁽⁸⁾ Although the cost is low, the risk is high due to an increased mortality rate from day one to three months of age. Training is necessary in candling and incubation techniques for this to be successful. Due to the dark color and shell quality, emu eggs cannot be candled, and the producer must be trained in egg incubation techniques.⁽⁴⁾ The most cost-effective method is buying over three months old chicks. Although this is more expensive than purchasing eggs, there are fewer losses due to chick mortality. If yearlings or young adult birds are purchased, the lag time between growth and productivity is reduced and the birds may become productive within two years after purchase. The costliest option when starting a ratite farm is purchasing adult birds with a proven breeding record. However, this method may result in a greater return on investment the following season.

Statistics

According to the USDA's Census of Agriculture, there are about 5,000 ostriches throughout America, around 20,000 emus, and under 2,000 rheas. This has been a dramatic decline since 2002, losing 83% of the population of ostriches and 74% of the emus.⁽⁹⁾

Information Sources

1. American Ostrich Association 20601 South Pleasant Valley Road, Kuna, Idaho 83634, United States email: secretary@ostriches.org
2. American Emu Association 510 W Madison St, Ottawa, IL 61350. aea-emu.org Phone: 1-541-332-0675

Literature Cited

1. American Emu Association, May 9, 2024.
2. American Ostrich Association. American Ostrich Association, n.d.
3. Commercial Ostrich Production. Commercial Ostrich Production | The Poultry Site, n.d.
4. Fowler's Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine Current Therapy. Fowler's Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine Current Therapy, Volume 10, 2023, i–ii. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-323-82852-9.00113-1
5. A Health Program for Small and Specialty Poultry Flocks. A Health Program for Small and Specialty Poultry Flocks | The Poultry Site, n.d.
6. Jensen, Jim, and James Harvey Johnson. Husbandry and medical management of ostriches, emus, and Rheas. College Station, Tex: Wildlife and Exotic Animal Teleconsultants, 1996.
7. Ostrich & Emu. Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, n.d.
8. Recent developments in ostrich farming, n.d.
9. United States Department of Agriculture. USDA, n.d.
10. Wallner-Pendleton, Eva. G94-1206 Biosecurity and Disease Prevention for the Ratite Grower. DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln, n.d.

Acknowledgements to Bonnie Altizio, Rutgers University, Ret. and Ryland Hagan, Rutgers University graduate.

October 2024