Ostrich farming is a unique and profitable business that has a long history and a global market. In this blog post, we will explore the history and business of ostrich farming in South Africa and around the world.
Ostriches are large, flightless birds that belong to the ratite family, which also includes emus, rheas, cassowaries and kiwis. Ostriches are native to Africa and can live up to 40 years in captivity. They are the fastest land animals, reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h, and can weigh up to 150 kg. Ostriches have long legs, long necks, small heads and large eyes. They have two toes on each foot, one of which has a sharp claw that can be used for defense. Ostriches are omnivorous and feed on plants, seeds, insects, lizards and small rodents.
Ostriches are valued for their feathers, meat, eggs and leather. Ostrich feathers are soft, fluffy and colorful, and have been used for fashion, decoration and cleaning purposes since ancient times. Ostrich meat is lean, low in fat and cholesterol, high in protein and iron, and has a mild flavor similar to beef. Ostrich eggs are the largest of any bird, weighing about 1.5 kg each, and can feed up to 10 people. Ostrich leather is durable, flexible and has a distinctive pattern of quill follicles.
The history of ostrich farming dates back to the 19th century, when South Africa was the first country to start ostrich farming on a commercial basis. Around 1820, South African ostrich feathers were first exported to Europe, where they were in high demand for hats, fans, boas and other accessories. These feathers were harvested from wild hunted ostriches until 1821, when a law was passed to prohibit the hunting of ostriches in South Africa. This led to the domestication of ostriches and the establishment of ostrich farms in the arid regions of the Karoo and Eastern Cape.
By 1865, there were only 80 tame ostriches in South Africa, but their numbers increased rapidly with the use of egg incubators. By 1875, South Africa had more than 32 000 ostriches. For decades, South Africa was the sole provider of ostriches in the world, with strict laws preventing the export of live birds. However, the huge demand for ostrich feathers also attracted other countries to start ostrich farming, such as the United States and Australia.
The ostrich feather industry reached its peak between 1900 and 1914, when ostrich feathers were more valuable than gold. However, after World War I, the feather industry collapsed due to changes in fashion trends and economic conditions. Many ostrich farmers went bankrupt and thousands of ostriches were slaughtered or released into the wild. The ostrich trade suffered a slow-down until the end of World War II, when it slowly recovered by diversifying into other products such as meat, leather and eggs.
The first ostrich abattoir in South Africa started operating in 1950 and in 1993 the first abattoir for the export of ostrich meat to Europe was built. Today, South Africa is still the world's largest supplier of ostrich products, contributing up to 75% of the global production. The main production areas for ostriches in South Africa are mainly in the southern Cape areas from George to Swellendam and in the Klein Karoo. Some production also occurs in other provinces such as Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Limpopo.
Ostrich farming is also practiced in other countries around the world such as Israel, China, India, Iran, Brazil, Mexico and Zimbabwe. The global market for ostrich products is growing as consumers become more aware of their health benefits and environmental impacts compared to other livestock products. Ostrich farming is also a source of income generation and rural development for many farmers.
Ostrich farming is a fascinating and rewarding business that requires knowledge, skills and passion.
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Dexter loves this bone. I’m sooo happy I’ve been spending lots of money on bulky bones snd they stink and are gone in less than an hour. He has been chewing on this for over an hour and has hardly damaged it so happy.
My two Shih Tzu love the ostrich hip bone. Yes they are huge and my fur babies are engaged for a long period, which allows me to work from home in peace. The bones last a long time and they don’t splinter. We love them!!!
My dog Cleo absolutely loves the ostrich beaks. She's a senior chihuahua with dental issues and she's able to devour a beak in about ten minutes. This is by far her favorite treat that we've ever gotten her.
Our girls were excited to get a new chew. At first the dogs were not sure but once they got the first taste of ostrich they were hooked. The ostrich chips have also become a favorite and the girls get so excited when I start opening the packet. Thank you for alternatives besides beef bones.
My little terrier is SUPER DUPER PICKY! I’m always embarrassed when well intended people offer him special treats and he sniffs and walks away. He doesn’t like anything good for him: no bone broth, no pumpkin, no yogurt ….. but he LOVES these ostrich tendons!!!! He was so busy with his rib bones he didn’t even notice a squirrel going by. HUGE FAN of these!!
My dogs get bored quickly with marrow bones and knee caps. So far they are l9ving them. This picture of dragging both chest bones into the living room.
My PJ absolutely loves your Ostrich chips - all flavors. He starts drooling whenever he sees me open the bag. One is never enough. I make him take smaller bites so his treats will last longer and he’ll think I’m more generous than I am. Thank you for making such a delicious treat for my precious baby.
Just got the ostrich foot bones today and immediately gave to my 2 doxies. They loved them! Too much though because the bones triggered resource guarding in non-resource guarding dogs. They were quiet for hours while I worked. Did cause gas in my senior dog but some things do that to him. My dogs worked on them for hours and almost finished them before I could get them away. I’ll try the knuckle bones next.
Such a wonderful first experience!! My sweet boy loves his very first Ostrich bone!!
Such a great healthy, safe way to keep him busy!
Wonderful fast shipping, and awesome customer service. We felt very loved with our handwritten ‘thank you’ from Judy!
Can’t wait to order more in the future!
Ostrich long bone for my boy. This is the second one for us and we are fans. Bull here, is a super chewer but has a very sensitive stomach. This bone keeps him busy for hours, yes hours. And his tummy is happy. And so am I. Thank you Savannah! I'll be ordering more soon.
Our 2 year old Newfoundland, Chunk, has allergies to the majority of proteins. Your products have been a lifesaver! He absolutely loves them and the mental stimulation wears him out! Thanks for supplying a healthy and safe treat for our pup!
It’s his go-to chewy when he’s wound up and settling down. In the house after the park or post-zoomies from a bath, Reggie goes right for his long-lasting twisted tendon!
My Cane Corso Deacon love these bones. They last a long time for my big guy. And l love that they don’t smell bad or make a mess. It’s a win win at our house.
The dogs couldn’t believe how big these bones were when I handed them to them! It took them a few minutes to figure out what to do with them and then it was game on!
The dogs and pups love these chest bones. Griffs are voracious chewers and these bones have kept them busy for the past hour. Soft enough for the pups and satisfying for the big dogs
My dog Deco, name is short for Decompression is a VERY active Parti Standard Poodle. Having a large assortment of treats is very helpful when guests come over to keep him occupied. Also, his teeth are looking great from “brushing” them with his bones. These were recommended by my vet for his dental needs.
My boy was so excited when we walked to the mailbox to get his gift and he smelled it through the box immediately and began to prance walk. Upon opening it he just went to town, making sure to shoo the cat away… this was his treat! 2 hours in and he was still going.I had to give him a break as I’m sure he would have chewed all night. Thanks for the great product!
