Ostriches Can Make You Money

26 YEARS AGO Ostriches can be raised on small pieces of land, and if raised properly, can be a very profitable venture as producers can generate income from almost the entire carcass.

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“On 8 to 10 ha of veld with some irrigated lucerne, you can run six pairs of ostriches.

“Dr Hym Ebedes, specialist extension officer of the Department of Agricultural Development, says the key to profit with them is close, expert management and a genuine affection for the creature.

“A unique feature of the ostrich is that almost every part can be used and wastage is less than 2 percent.

“This aspect is exploited by farmers of the Klein Karoo where the world’s premier ostrich industry has been established and is controlled by the Klein Karoo Co-operative at Oudtshoorn. Indeed, all marketing of ostrich products must be done with their consent, or processed through them.

“An ostrich has an average height of just over 2 m and mass ranges of 110-160 kg. The adult male is larger than the female.