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Home , Cassowary, Egg incubation, Emu, Ostrich, Ratite, Rhea (bird)

PNW 494 July 1996

Raising : , , and rheas

J.C. Hermes

atites are a group of that includes ostriches, emu, rheas, , and kiwis. Lacking the large keel on the R breast bone where muscles attach, these birds are unable to . No ratites exist in the wild in ; all were imported from , , or . The most economically can be detrimental. important of ratites are However, there has the and the emu, with been little scientific the a distant third. The research concerning is rare and is not the incubation and considered to have any economic hatching of importance, while the is an , so most current oddity and is virtually absent knowledge is from from North America except for a growers. few in zoos. Length of incuba- tion, temperature, Production and humidity Ratite management is similar suggestions vary to both and greatly, so use the management. Adults are hardy suggestions below and are able to withstand most of only as guidelines. Oregon’s weather challenges as Hatching time varies long as they are protected from from 36–45 days for extremes. ostrich eggs, 46–56 days for emu eggs, and 36–44 Incubation days for rhea eggs. incubation often creates Requirements for relative problems because most growers humidity during incubation also have little or no general knowl- vary with species: 10–40 percent edge of poultry and even less (usually around 20 percent) for knowledge of incubation. ostrich eggs, 35–55 percent Like , , and (usually around 40 percent) for other bird eggs, ratite eggs emu eggs, and 40–55 percent require constant incubation (usually around 45 percent) for conditions for maximum hatch- rhea eggs. ability. Even minor variations Virtually no standard exists for minimum acceptable level rhea James C. Hermes, Extension poultry of fertility or hatchability in specialist, Oregon State University. ratite eggs. Therefore, the

A Pacific Northwest Extension Publication • Oregon • Idaho • Washington determination of good versus There is no conclusive evi- These practices are easy with a poor fertility and hatchability is dence of the best position or few eggs, but become impractical unknown. In most cases, if you turning times for ratite eggs. We when more eggs are produced. obtain at least 50 percent hatch- have used poultry information Their effectiveness is unproven. ability of all eggs set, you here and modified it to provide a Many growers routinely wash probably are doing well. starting point for these species. eggs with water and sanitizers. Unless you intend to contract Three to 5 days before eggs However, it is best not to wash incubation and hatching with are expected to hatch, transfer eggs. Instead, set only clean another producer, you’ll need a them to a separate incubator eggs. If washing eggs is neces- forced-draft incubator able to used only for hatching. Do not sary, use only warm water maintain a constant temperature turn the eggs after transfer. A (110–120°F) and approved of between 96 and 99.5°F. slight lowering of temperature hatching egg sanitizers. Temperature for incubating (1°F) and an increase in relative Fumigation of eggs with ratite eggs is around 96.5°F. humidity (5 to 10 percent) may formaldehyde gas is becoming Incubators vary in cost and be beneficial. rare due to health risks and capacity. Some cost only about Ratite eggs need to lose government requirements, and, $500, while others cost more than between 10 and 18 percent of therefore, probably should not $9,000. The incubators of choice their weight (in moisture loss) to be used. Many growers use seem to be on the extreme ends hatch properly. Most growers disinfectants prior to incubating. of the cost spectrum. Any weigh eggs weekly to monitor It is important to follow instruc- incubator is adequate as long as water loss. tions that come with these prod- optimal temperature, humidity, If the eggs are not losing the ucts to avoid potential disaster. ventilation, turning, etc. can be proper amount of moisture, you maintained. may need to change the relative Brooding During incubation, most humidity. Many producers Early chick management of ostrich and rhea growers set eggs maintain several incubators at ratites is similar to that of vertically in the incubator trays, different humidity levels and , turkeys, or birds. with the blunt end up. Emu move eggs as needed. Others Like most birds, ratite chicks are growers set eggs on their sides. cover parts of the shell with tape cold-blooded; they cannot sus- Eggs must be turned at least 3 to or fingernail polish to reduce tain their body temperature from 5 times per day and up to 12 to water loss, or sand away part of metabolism alone. They need 24 times per day. the shell to increase water loss. supplemental heat for up to

Know your ratites

Adult Adult height weight Origin Varieties

Ostrich 6–8 feet 250–400 lb Africa Red-neck, Blue-neck, Black-neck (a cross)

Emu 5–6 feet 110–140 lb Australia None

Rhea 4–5 feet 70–90 lb South America Greater, Darwin’s, Blue, Gray, White

2 Raising ratites: ostriches, emu, and rheas

4 months, depending on condi- rhea will eat almost anything, Research at Oregon State tions. especially litter, which can block University suggests that at least Heat can be supplied from the intestines, usually resulting in emu can be grown in fairly small above with lights or heaters, or death. The problem may be (3' x 10') pens to 8 weeks of age from below with heated mats or reduced if chicks are placed on (three to seven birds in a pen) floors. Many growers use heat litter immediately after hatching and 6' x 32' pens through 7 to lamps. instead of several days later. 8 months (four birds per pen). It is imperative that the birds Work at Oregon State University Pen construction varies as be given an area with a range of suggests that emu chicks perform well. Usually, 5- to 6-foot high temperatures so they can select well on wood shavings as litter or fencing made of chain link, the temperature they require. If on chopped grass straw. Absor- smooth strands, cattle panels, they get cold, they can move to a bent litter reduces labor by nylon link, 2" x 4" welded or warmer area and vice versa. decreasing the time required to woven wire, etc. is used. Ratites As the chicks age, their clean pens. do not fly and usually do not try metabolism catches up and they Solid surfaces, such as concrete to jump over a fence that high. become warm-blooded, i.e., able overlaid with rubber mats, are Fencing must be strong to maintain body temperature. becoming increasingly popular. enough to withstand the birds’ This change takes several weeks. Packed dirt or sand that is free of leaning or bumping into it. It is It is important to help this foreign material such as stones, best to have the fence posts on process along by reducing wire, string, nails, etc. seems to be the outside of the pen, as ratites supplemental heat gradually. adequate. typically walk the fence line, Avoid abrupt changes. However, rubbing their bodies along the Many growers believe inside hard floors wire. pens with outside runs are are difficult to Avoid fencing materials that required for proper growth in clean, and as the can entangle the birds. Large ratite chicks. This system allows birds age, pen opening (6" x 6" or greater) protection from inclement floors become welded wire or field fencing weather as well as outside access heavily soiled generally is inadequate for exercise, which may promote and virtually good leg formation and strength. uncleanable. Some growers brood chicks inside for only a few days before Growing placing them outside with After supplemental heat for cool about nights. 1–2 months, Ratites usually are brooded on ratites usually are solid flooring, although wire- grown in outside pens floored brooding areas also can or pastures. At this age, be used. If using wire floors, take they usually can tolerate care to avoid drafts and to normal weather conditions. ensure that the birds’ legs do not However, extremes always are a become stuck in the wire. Half- concern. inch wire probably is sufficient. There is no consensus about Litter floors (sawdust shav- optimum pen size or shape. Some ings, straw, etc.) can be a prob- growers use long, narrow pens, lem, especially for ostrich chicks. while others are successful with Young ostriches and possibly square pens. Sizes range from 20' x 20' to several acres. ostrich

3 because the birds’ legs can get construct squeeze chutes, or The productive life may be as caught in the wire, which is close confinement areas, in the long as 40 for ostriches and certain to cause a broken bone. In shelters to contain the birds 20 years for emu. Using low addition, any sharp fencing or when close contact is necessary. estimates, these birds could wire ends must be blunted, bent produce between 500 and 1,600 over, covered, or removed, as Reproduction offspring in a lifetime. ratites surely will find them, Ratites usually begin to The exact stimulus for the sometimes with disastrous reproduce between 2 and 3 years seasonal beginning and cessation results. of age. However, some birds lay of egg production is not well Shelters, as elaborate or as early as 18 months. Early understood. simple as desired, should be layers typically lay few eggs the Ratites usually are paired available for inclement weather first . during the breeding season, but or for shade from the hot sun. Average egg production is some growers have been success- Shelters may or may not have about 40 to 60 eggs per year for ful with trios (two females with doors to contain birds when ostriches and 20 to 50 eggs for one male), or with mass mating necessary. emu and rheas. Some layers may (groups of several males and It seems to be a good idea to produce many more or less eggs females). Elaborate courtship feed the birds in the shelter. This than these numbers suggest. We displays and pair bonding seem forces them to become familiar cannot predict future egg to be necessary for proper with the structure and makes it production in these birds. breeding. easier to encourage them into the Breeding season varies, shelter if veterinary service is depending on species. Ostriches necessary. Some growers and rheas usually breed between about March and October, while emu lay eggs from early November through April. Laying seasons vary from year to year, depending on climatic conditions and location. Breeding pens are similar to growing pens, perhaps a little larger. Ideal pen size for breeders is not known for certain. The nesting area must be easily accessible to the grower. Ratites are ground nesters; they make a depression in soft soil, sand, or straw, which acts as a nest. You can provide these materials in the nesting area. Gather eggs soon after they are laid. Most birds lay about every second or third day. Be careful when gathering eggs. Some of these birds, emu especially ostrich males, can become quite aggressive during the breeding season, diligently

4 Raising ratites: ostriches, emu, and rheas

protecting the nest. In some increased vitamin and trace Take care not to consider all cases, two people are required to mineral supplementation. Most published information as useful. collect eggs—one to distract the ratite growers feed a diet that is Many claims are made with little birds and the other to remove the between 17–24 percent crude or no data to substantiate them. egg from the nest. Egg collection protein during brooding and Contact as many reliable sources is easier if the nesting area is growing, and about 22–23 as possible, and modify the placed where gates can keep the percent for laying birds. Pre- information to best suit your birds away. pared feeds are available. situation. Once the eggs are gathered, There is much discussion as to In 1995, Oregon State Univer- keep them cool, probably whether all ratites should be fed sity began a ratite research between 55 and 65°F. Much the same diets. There may be program. As results become interest has developed in dip- different nutrient requirements available, they will be provided ping eggs in disinfectant and/or among these species, as there are to industry producers. antibiotic solutions. Although between chickens and turkeys. these procedures may be of some Some growers allow their Zoning and farm plans benefit, they are used sparingly birds access to forage, while In many areas of the country, in the poultry industry, with a others provide only the prepared ratites are not yet considered great deal of quality control. feed. Alfalfa works well in livestock. While various associa- They have not been proven to be growing and breeding pens. The tions have successfully lobbied safe and effective for ratite eggs, general consensus is that ratites for livestock or poultry status, and should not be used. may require more fiber in the some regions, states, and coun- Allow eggs to rest and cool for diet than chickens. Exact levels, ties have different requirements at least a day before setting them however, are unknown. or define these birds differently. in the incubator. Most growers Before you purchase birds, store ratite eggs at high humidity Considerations contact your county planning during the period between lay office to make sure you can and set. Again, there is no solid for raising ratites produce them in your area and evidence for this requirement, to obtain any special require- but chicken and turkey eggs Lack of research- ments for raising ratites. When hatch best when stored this way. based information you write your farm plan, ratite Ratite eggs can be stored for at There is little research-based value should reflect the expected least 7 days and probably longer. information concerning the market value—between $500 and Most growers do not exceed production of these birds. Some $750 per bird at about 1 year of 7 days of storage, however. research is underway, but useful age. Weekly settings make hatch results are slow in coming. It scheduling easier and more probably will be several years Perception efficient. before research-based informa- The ratite industry still is in its tion is published in a usable infancy. Many in traditional Feeding form. agriculture have not yet accepted Like chickens, ratites require a Most current information is it as “real” agriculture. However, relatively high-protein, balanced based on grower trial and error, as the breeder market subsides, diet. There is little or no informa- and is modified from poultry prices fall, and domestic slaugh- tion on the specific nutrition information. Various groups and ter increases, many in traditional requirements of ratites. associations publish information, agriculture, government, and Most ratite diets are modified but it also is usually from academia will begin to consider poultry diets, with changes in growers, which doesn’t necessar- ratite production a serious protein level and usually ily make it unreliable, just agricultural industry. unproven.

5 Establishment of markets Price Ratites may be poised to be The goal of the ratite industry In the early days of the another major agricultural is to produce ratites as a market industry (1986–1992), one of the industry. On the other hand, the in the near future. biggest concerns for potential industry may not last. Before Marketable products such as growers was price. At that time, ratites can become established as leather, , , and oil only breeders were available, an agricultural commodity, are considered to be the future of so the price remained high. significant problems must be these birds. Hatching eggs have sold for as overcome, including marketing, A small amount of meat is much as $2,000 each, while slaughter, and various produc- being sold to some higher scale proven breeding birds have sold tion problems. Major industry restaurants and markets, a few for up to $80,000 per pair. players, grower associations, hides are being used in relatively Recent downward price government agencies, universi- expensive garments, and a small corrections reflect increased ties, and marketing professionals quantity of oil is being produced productivity and the need to must make the decisions now for niche cosmetic markets. establish slaughter and product that will lead to future growth. Further establishment and marketing. Today, ratites raised growth of these markets are for slaughter are valued between needed to sustain this industry. $500–$750 per bird.

6 Pacific Northwest Extension publications contain material written and produced for public distribution. You may reprint written material, provided you do not use it to endorse a commercial product. Please reference by title and credit Pacific Northwest Extension publications.

Pacific Northwest Extension publications are jointly produced by the three Pacific Northwest states—Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Similar crops, climate, and topography create a natural geographic unit that crosses state lines. Since 1949 the PNW program has published more than 450 titles. Joint writing, editing, and production have prevented duplication of effort, broadened the availability of faculty specialists, and substantially reduced the costs for participating states.

Published and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914, by the Oregon State University Extension Service, Washington State University Cooperative Extension, the University of Idaho Cooperative Extension System, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

The three participating Extension Services offer educational programs, activities, and materials—without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, and disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran status— as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Oregon State University Extension Service, Washington State University Cooperative Extension, and the University of Idaho Cooperative Extension System are Equal Opportunity Employers. Published July 1996. $1.00/$1.00/$1.00

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