Ostrich

Proventricular impaction

SignsReduced appetite, lethargy, less droppings, neck-stretching, weight loss. Caused by foreign objects or long fibers

PreventionPick up wire, nails, glass and plastic from the paddock every day. Offer grit only in moderate amounts

Leg rotation / deformity

SignsChick's leg twists outward or inward, unsteady gait, sitting down. Common during rapid growth

PreventionUse ostrich-specific feed to prevent excessive growth. Ample exercise area and flooring that is not too hard

Yolk sac infection

SignsChick under 1 week old is listless with a swollen abdomen; navel area moist and red

PreventionKeep the incubator and post-hatch floor clean. Manage on disinfected flooring until the navel closes

Capture myopathy

SignsLegs tremble and the bird cannot stand after being chased or restrained; urine dark reddish-brown

PreventionDo not chase. Restrain briefly and quietly; avoid work in the heat of the day

Avian influenza

SignsSudden death, lethargy, swelling of the face or legs, neurological signs. Several birds affected at once

PreventionKeep wild birds out, disinfect boots and equipment. Report unusual deaths to the Livestock Hygiene Service Center immediately

Nematodes / parasites

SignsWeight loss, ruffled feathers, pale mouth lining from anemia, diarrhea. Spreads in group housing

PreventionRegular fecal exams and deworming. Remove droppings from the paddock daily and avoid wet ground

Fence collision / neck trauma

PreventionFences at least 2 m high with rounded corners, in a visible color. Avoid noise and sudden movements

First aidPress bleeding with a clean cloth. If the neck is bent and cannot move, do not touch it; wait for the vet's visit

Leg fracture

PreventionRemove holes, ditches and steps from the paddock. Keep birds off ground that is muddy from rain

First aidDo not chase; keep people from getting too close. Calm with a hood, do not let it walk, and call the vet

Wing / skin lacerations

PreventionNo barbed wire. Check fences for protrusions and nails; house fighting males separately

First aidPress with a clean cloth to stop bleeding and rinse the wound. Deep wounds or bleeding that will not stop: see a vet the same day

Chick splay leg / dislocation

PreventionUse non-slip flooring from the moment of hatching. Avoid overcrowding so chicks do not trample each other

First aidIsolate on non-slip flooring. Do not force the leg back; see a vet the same day. Left too long, it cannot be corrected

Salmonellosis

RouteOral infection from hands that touched droppings; eggshells

PreventionAlways wash hands after work. Wash eggs before storing and never eat them raw

Campylobacteriosis

RouteThrough droppings, equipment, and contaminated water

PreventionUse separate work boots and clothing. Do not eat or drink in the enclosure

Avian influenza

RouteInhalation of or contact with secretions and droppings of infected birds

PreventionDo not touch unusual deaths; report them. Wear protective gear during an outbreak

Cryptosporidiosis

RouteOral infection from water or hands contaminated with droppings

PreventionWash water troughs daily. Wash hands especially carefully after handling chicks with diarrhea

Food

• Ostrich-specific formulated feed, 1.5–2.5 kg per day in two feedings
• Free access to good-quality hay such as alfalfa
• A small amount of fine grit for the gizzard (essential for digesting fiber)

Water

• Drinks 5–10 L a day. Always fresh water in several containers
• Wash containers daily; do not let them freeze in winter. Place in the shade in summer

Toys & play

• Being able to run in a large paddock is the greatest enrichment
• Hang hay or vegetables to encourage pecking and foraging
• Provide a sand pit for dust bathing to keep feathers and skin clean

Nest, bed & hideout

• A roofed shelter to escape rain, wind and direct sun
• Females need sandy ground where they can scrape a shallow nest to lay

Bedding & litter

• Paddock: well-drained sand or short grass
• Shelter: dry sand or fine wood shavings. Avoid straw, as they swallow it
• Remove droppings daily and do not let mud form

Cage / housing material

Wire mesh or wooden fence at least 2 m high. Barbed wire and protrusions are strictly prohibited

Size & space

At least 800 m² of paddock per adult pair; shelter at least 10 m² per bird

Layout

• Make the paddock long and narrow with a straight run for full-speed running
• Round off corners or board them diagonally to prevent collisions
• Place water and feed in several separate spots so weaker birds can also eat

Placement notes

• Keep away from roads and noise sources; avoid startling
• Fit bird netting on the shelter to keep wild birds out

Exercise, free-roam & walks

• Let them walk freely in the paddock during the day; do not confine them
• Chicks also need sunlight and walking for healthy legs
• Chasing or bringing dogs near is strictly prohibited

Temperature & humidity

TemperatureAdults tolerate 0–35°C. Chicks start at about 32°C after hatching, lowered gradually

HumidityPrefers a dry environment. Avoid mud and high humidity

Summer & winter

• Summer: shade and plenty of water. Keep chicks out of direct sun
• Winter: a windproof shelter and dry floor. Chicks must be kept warm

Nail trimming

Usually wear down naturally. Have a vet treat overgrown or cracked nails under restraint

Brushing, skin & coat care

Dust bathing is their feather care. If droppings or mud cake on the feathers, wipe with a damp cloth

Other care

Check the soles of the feet daily for wounds and swelling. Wipe eye discharge with clean water

Protection from predators

• Dogs, foxes and crows attack chicks. Shut chicks in the shelter at night
• Avoid contact with wild birds to prevent avian influenza
• Barking dogs startle them into collisions; keep dogs away

Foreign-body ingestion

They swallow any shiny or small object. Never drop wire, nails, glass, plastic or bolts in the paddock. Patrol and pick up daily

Being stepped on

Chicks die from being trampled by adults or other chicks. Separate adults from chicks and keep chick density low

Getting pinched

Necks and legs get caught in fences and gates, causing fractures. Keep gaps narrower than the head; fix gates to open inward

Falls

A bird that falls over cannot get up by itself and develops capture myopathy. Remove steps, ditches and mud; right a fallen bird calmly

Escape

An escaped bird runs at 60 km/h and causes accidents. Use double gates; if one escapes, do not chase: notify the police and municipal office and have experts corral it

Safe release procedure

1. If pecked, stay calm and quietly move away to the side or rear
2. Putting on a hood (a bag over the head) stops its movement
3. Hold the base of the neck and lower the head below the back; it cannot kick
4. With several people, hold the base of the wings and guide it from the side

After the release

Wash and disinfect beak wounds. If kicked, there may be internal injuries; go to the emergency room immediately

What to tell the vet & what to bring

Report age, weight, feed type and amount, any foreign objects, time of onset, and number affected in the flock, and request a farm visit

Checking consciousness, breathing & heartbeat

• Consciousness: does it respond to voice or touch?
• Breathing: watch the chest. About 6–12 breaths per minute at rest
• Heartbeat: place a hand on the chest. About 60–70 beats per minute at rest

Stopping bleeding

• Press with a clean cloth for at least 5 minutes, rinse with water
• For leg bleeding, lay the bird on its side, apply pressure and keep clear of the legs
• If it will not stop, keep pressing and call the vet

Transport

• Adults: calm with a hood and move in a livestock trailer
• Chicks: place in a dark box, keep warm and transport without jolting