|
|
De Brug Ostrich Farm
Nelspruit, Mpumalanga,
South Africa
The breeding farm is unique in that it provides a glimpse into the complete breeding cycle of the Ostrich. It is also the only breeding farm as such in this part of the country.
|
|
See also Encounter Magazine's comprehensive guide on South African Animal Sanctuaries.
De Brug Ostrich Show Farm started in January 1994 and has since expanded extensively.
This breeding farm is unique in that it provides a glimpse into the complete breeding cycle of the ostrich. The breeding season is from July to February.
The guided tour starting promptly at 10:00 daily, includes a look at the incubators, the hatchyery, chicks, 3-9 month old ostriches for slaughter and a visit to the well-stocked curio shop.
The curio shop is well-stocked with a variety of interesting ostrich products such as Ostrich Leather Curios, Carved Ostrich Eggs, Painted Ostrich Eggs, Ostrich Feathers, Ostrich Egg Lamps, Key Rings and many more.
Ostriches were once found over a much larger area in nature than they are today. Human development and encroachment on their habitat over the past half century has caused their population to decline and they are now found only in the African savannahs.
Ostrich are equipped with many advantageous features including excellent eye sight, large external ear canals, and powerful legs which allow speeds of up to 60 kmh. Ostriches reach an adult height of over 2m by 16 to 18 months of age. They continue to increase in weight after this time with adult males reaching over 130kg.
Ostrich may become sexually mature at two years of age although males often mature later than females. It is not uncommon for hens to begin laying at two to 3 years of age while males may take as long as 4 to 5 years to be functionally mature.
In captivity, females may lay as many as 100 eggs in a season, although 20 to 40 are more common. Eggs are whitish in color, weigh about 3 pounds and are generally laid every other day.
How to get there
On Kaapsehoop dirt road between Kaapsehoop and Barberton.
Tel +27 13 712-5265. |
|
Location: Nelspruit,
Mpumalanga |
|
