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November/December 1990 OstrichesBased on Poultry Fact Sheets 7 and 12 by Francine A. Bradley, Univ. of California Area Poultry Farm Advisor for Northern California. Ostriches have been commercially raised primarily for their plumes and hides. The hides are used to make ostrichskin cowboy boots, purses and accessories. Their eggs are prized by individuals who decorate eggs. There are also reports of ostrich meat being served in some restaurants in large, metropolitan cities. However, with the very high prices being paid for ostriches it is unlikely that many will be slaughtered for meat. The traditional and largest supplier of ostrich hides to the United States has been South Africa. In recent years Federal trade sanctions against South Africa have promoted the beginnings of a domestic ostrich industry. There is a great deal of interest currently in the development of this US industry. According to the American Ostrich Association, late 1988 Texas auction prices for ostriches ranged from about $6,000 for a pair of 4-6 month old chicks to over $33,000 for an adult pair. (An article in the Sept. 15, 1990 California Farmer quoted a going price of $40,000 to $50,000 for a breeding pair.) Questions to ask yourself if you are considering raising ostriches: Do you have the capital to purchase breeding stock? Do you have sufficient information on the management of the birds? Do you have someone who will process the birds and hides for you? And most importantly, do you have a buyer? A final caution, some compare today's ostrich craze to the Shetland pony frenzy of the 1950's. For further information... PublicationsPoultry Fact Sheets No. 7 and 12 by Francine Bradley Ostrich Management Guide Ostrich Production by
Dr. Fred Thornberry Are Big Birds Good Business? A Summary of
Information
on the Ostrich Businesss and Regulations
for
Exotic Farm Animals by Lee Fitzhugh Quick Bibliography on Raising Quail, Partridge,
Pheasant,
Bobwhites, and Ostriches (Series No. NAL-BIBL QB 89-95) Exotic Livestock The Exotic News OrganizationsAmerican Ostrich Association National Ostrich Breeders Assoc. American Emu Association Western Region Ostrich Assoc.
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