Ostriches are unusual birds, distinguished by their large shapes and excellent physical characteristics. It is impossible to unambiguously answer the question - how many kilograms does an ostrich weigh? Since there are several species of birds to consider, also females usually weigh less than males. The weight indicator is affected by age, conditions of farming or living in the wild.
Ostrich weight table depending on breed
To get an idea of the body weight of a bird, you need to familiarize yourself with the physiological characteristics of several of the most popular species.
| Name | Habitat | Height, weight of adults |
| African - representatives are distinguished by strength and endurance, live 60-70 years | Distributed in Africa and the Middle East | · Malay – 2.1-2.3 m, 145 kg;
· Somali – 2.5 m, 105-125 kg; · Massai – 2.1-2.7 m, 130-175 kg; |
| Emu - individuals run at a speed of 50 km/h (stride length - up to 275 cm), live 10-20 years | Australia | parameters: 150-190 cm, 30-55 kg |
| Rheas run at speeds of up to 60 km/h | South America | 130-140 cm, 25-30 kg |
The African black species is mainly bred on farms. With good care and a nutritious diet, females grow up to 2 m and gain weight of 115-120 kg. Males, with a height of 2.5-2.7 m, gain weight of 150-165 kg.
What can affect your weight
The body weight of an adult ostrich is determined by many factors: age, breed, habitat, diet. It is noteworthy that individuals living in semi-desert areas of Australia and Africa lead approximately the same lifestyle, but their physical parameters are significantly different.
Weight and dimensions of an ostrich egg
Females lay eggs approximately once every two days. Egg weight ranges from 1.5-2 kg. The recorded maximum weighing result is 2.4 kg. During the year, the ostrich lays 40-80 eggs (each 15-20 cm in size). The egg production period occurs in autumn-winter. Females begin to lay eggs at the age of two (this indicator depends on the species and habitat). A female emu can lay her first egg at the age of 40 months, and a female rhea at the age of 30 months.
Egg production depends on diet and living conditions.The ostrich is an “impressionable” bird, so stressful situations (moving or relocating to other premises) are allowed in a minimal amount.
Features of bird growth
When breeding pets at home, it is necessary to take into account the distinctive features of the breeds. The weight of the egg of a female African species is 2.5-3.6 kg, but when weighing a hatched chick, the norm is considered to be 2-2.1 kg. The emu parameters are 0.5-0.6 kg and 0.4 kg, respectively.
The young animals develop quickly and rapidly gain weight. A Somali ostrich egg weighs 1.5-1.8 kg. The chick hatches with less weight, but after 3-4 months it gains 36-40 kg (and females are superior in parameters to males). By the age of four months, an African ostrich chick grows 2-2.5 m tall; weighing shows 160-175 kg.
Breeding ostriches is not only a fashionable activity, but also a profitable business. Meat and eggs are considered delicacies and are considered dietary products. Pets are not capricious in their diet; for full growth, two feedings a day are sufficient (plant food and supplements are served in crushed form).
