LPM 222: Diversified poultry production and current concepts in poultry management and marketing [Livestock Production Management (Regional Interest)] (1+1)

Handling and restraining of ostrich

HANDLING AND RESTRAIN OF OSTRICH

• An ostrich is a large, powerful animal. It should always be kept in mind the ostriches are larger, taller and faster than human beings. Ostriches are territorial and sometimes unpredictable like any other animal.
• The ostrich guard its territory, and in its mind, anyone approaching the paddock is an intruder. They usually give warning signals before harming the intruder, who ventured into their territory. It is prudent to heed the signals when approaching ostriches. At times they can be aggressive and are capable of hurting, but normally the injuries are very minor. Some ostriches are more vicious than others.
• As awarning sign, an ostrich may hiss, stamp his feet, flare his wings, charge the fence, kick, etc. It is wise to heed this warning and stay away when it is aggressive. If it is absolutely necessary to make contact with that bird'sterritory, utmost caution should be used. Keep an eye on the bird at all times. Have an escape route or a decoy to distract the bird. Build the pens efficiently so that one need not enter the pen to do normal maintenance activities such as feeding and watering.
• Most human injuries that occur with ostriches are accidental. Because ostriches are large, they manage to step on the feet of one who is standing very close. One should carefully stand near the bird as it may bump when they try to turn around.
• One thing that is rather exclusive to ratites is their investigative pecking. They peck on gloves, hats, rings, watches and anything shiny. Ostrich is easier to handle than the other ratites and less dangerous. Because of the ostrich's size, one can usually do what is necessary while it is in a standing position. It is not necessary to flap the bird over as is done with smaller ratites.
• Hooding an ostrich often makes it quite passive to work with. Handling of ostriches is easy for people who are experienced with large animals, especially cattle or horses.
• It is always advisable before physically handling the birds to herd them gently into small working areas. This can be done by using "boards" in the case of young birds or mobile gates, hurdles (on wheels) or large shields in the case of large birds.
• If an individual bird is the target, it should be moved together in a group and only at the last moment the necessary bird should be caught. This will greatly facilitate safe capture and will also help reduce undue stress to the birds.