Forum:

predators

Ostriches as Livestock Guardians

Posts: 7

Location: VA, USA

posted 8 years ago

2
Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

So, this may come out of left field, but has anyone ever considered incorporating ostriches into their livestock plan?

They've got great meat, leather, and feathers, but most interestingly, they can be very territorial and attack predators. I grew up in South Africa and many sheep farmers there will incorporate a couple ostriches into the herd purely for herd protection - they've got great eyesight, are very fast, and are devastating with their talons.

Anyways, just curious

"The problem with having an open mind, of course, is that people insist on coming along and putting things in it."
-Terry Pratchett

John Polk

steward

Posts: 7926

Location: Currently in Lake Stevens, WA. Home in Spokane

355

posted 8 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

has anyone ever considered incorporating ostriches into their livestock plan?

Good question.
Ostriches, like guinea hens are VERY territorial, but the ostrich is much more aggressive against larger predators than the guineas.

David Livingston

pollinator

Posts: 4328

Location: Anjou ,France

259

posted 8 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

The problem l have with idea is that ostriches make sheep look like Harvard students . Plus they cost a lot
David

Living in Anjou , France,
For the many not for the few
http://www.permies.com/t/80/31583/projects/Permie-Pennies-France#330873

Su Ba

pollinator

Posts: 2159

Location: Big Island, Hawaii (2300' elevation, 60" avg. annual rainfall, temp range 55-80 degrees F)

1082

I like...

posted 8 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

And ostriches are quite adept at killing people too. To each their own, I suppose. A donkey is the most dangerous animal I'd be willing to keep in my own farm.

It's never too late to start! I retired to homestead on the slopes of Mauna Loa, an active volcano. I relate snippets of my endeavor on my blog : www.kaufarmer.blogspot.com

J.R. Davis

Posts: 7

Location: VA, USA

posted 8 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Expensive? Yeah, it's probably not cheap to get a few into the US, but the payoff could be pretty good (especially if you're in an arid or semi-arid region)

Now, I haven't heard of any farmer deaths by ostrich, but I have heard of intruders being viciously kicked who've startled them. And as for them being bird-brained, remember, we have that adjective for a reason.

I dunno. I've seen it work with the birds as livestock and as guardians. It's just not done outside of Africa, so there's very little ever discussed or written about it, which is why I'm wondering if anyone's stuck their neck out and tried it.

"The problem with having an open mind, of course, is that people insist on coming along and putting things in it."
-Terry Pratchett

David Livingston

pollinator

Posts: 4328

Location: Anjou ,France

259

posted 8 years ago

Number of slices to send:

Optional 'thank-you' note:

Send

Not sure you would have to import them from Africa I know they are ostrich farms in the U.K. So l asssume there are some in the USA both the meat feathers and eggs have value

Living in Anjou , France,
For the many not for the few
http://www.permies.com/t/80/31583/projects/Permie-Pennies-France#330873

For my next trick, I'll need the help of a tiny ad ...

A PDC for cold climate homesteaders

http://permaculture-design-course.com