Ostriches - Pictures
Ostriches - DietOstriches are omnivorous although they are mostly vegetarian. They feed on seeds, roots, bushes, grass, fruit, nuts, and occasional vertebrates. The food is gathered in their crop creating a huge lump that eventually slides down their throat. Ostriches generally eat foods that most other animals would not and then tend to ingest stones, which serve as a good aid in digestion. They can eat small mammals and reptiles, which they chase by running. Ostriches need little water as they get what they need from the food they eat but will drink if they chance upon water.Ostriches - Conservation StatusDue to hunting for feathers, ostriches were almost wiped out in the 18th century. The practice of farming ostriches began to spread in the 19th century. When the demand for ostrich feathers had lessened, these birds acquired a more or less secure population.Ostriches are not threatened. The species is quite common in most of Africa and South-west Asia. However, the habitat destruction and human persecution are still the major threats to the well being of the wild birds. Ostriches - FarmingOstriches have been reared and farmed for over a century particularly in South Africa. Farming ostriches was originally started for the fashion trade of feathers. The ostriches farmed today are almost all from domestic stock. There are several breeds of domesticated ostriches. Breeders of ostriches should obtain a special license. A veterinary officer and an environmental health officer should make annual checks on every aspect of the welfare of the ostriches and the safety of their maintenance.
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