Exotic Birds Flashcards
1
Q
What is ostrich emu meat considered to be a healthy alternative to?
A
Red meat.
2
Q
What is ostrich and emu leather described as?
A
Durable and sought after.
3
Q
What are ostrich and emu feathers used in?
A
- Clothing.
- Accessories.
- Crafts.
4
Q
Why are ostriches and emus considered to be resilient and adaptable animals?
A
They can thrive in various climates/environments and there feed can be sourced from local plants (reduces dependency on commercial feed).
5
Q
What are the economic benefits of ostrich and emu farming?
A
- Creates jobs.
- Boosts the economy in rural areas through demand for products and tourism.
- Processing, manufacturing, and retail needs.
6
Q
What height can an ostrich reach?
A
Up to 9 feet.
7
Q
What weight can an ostrich reach?
A
Up to 350 pounds.
8
Q
Are ostriches carnivores, omnivores, or herbivores?
A
Omnivores.
9
Q
How long is an ostrich egg incubated?
A
42 days.
10
Q
What feather pattern do male ostriches have?
A
Black feathers, white plumes.
11
Q
What feather pattern do female ostriches have?
A
Brown or gray feathers.
12
Q
What is the function of the long eyelashes of the ostrich?
A
To protect their eyes from sand.
13
Q
What are the 5 business start-up options for ostrich businesses?
A
- Buy eggs and hatch chicks.
- Buy started, sexed chicks (8+ weeks).
- Buy juvenile (year-old birds).
- Buy proven breeders.
- Combination.
14
Q
How is the buy eggs and hatch chicks business option described?
A
- Lowest initial cost.
- Production starts after 2 years.
15
Q
How is the buy started, sexed chicks (8+ weeks) option described?
A
- Avoids early hatching challenges.
- Costs more than eggs.
- Production starts in 2 years.
16
Q
How is the buy juvenile (year-old birds) business option described?
A
- Allows quality selection.
- Production beginning within 1 year.
17
Q
How is the buy proven breeders business option described?
A
- Highest initial cost.
- Enables immediate production.
18
Q
How is the combination business option described?
A
Flexibility to use a mix of options based on goals and budgets.
19
Q
What are the primary energy sources fed to ostriches?
A
- Wheat.
- Corn.
- Barley.
*Typically mixed with other feed components.
20
Q
What forages are provided to ostriches in addition to free-range grazing of grass?
A
- Legumes.
- Leafy vegetables.
21
Q
What protein sources are provided to ostriches?
A
- Canola meal.
- Alfalfa pellets.
- Soybeans.
22
Q
What 2 essential AAs of importance are provided by protein sources?
A
- Methionine.
- Lysine.
23
Q
What % CP are chicks started at to ensure optimal early growth?
A
28.
24
Q
What form of feed is provided to ostriches?
A
Pelleted.
25
How many kg of food/day does an adult ostrich eat?
1.5-2.5 kg. .
26
How many times per day should an ostrich be fed? Why?
1. 2+.
2. To prevent waste and encourage natural feeding behavior.
27
How much water do ostriches drink every day?
3-5 liters.
*Depends on conditions and diet.
28
What stressors impact feeding behavior?
1. Social hierarchy.
2. Temperature changes.
29
What special nutritional needs do breeding birds have?
1. Increased protein (egg laying).
2. Increased calcium (egg laying).
3. Increased vitamin E (reproductive behavior)
4. Increased vitamin A (reproductive behavior).
30
What special nutritional needs do breeding birds have?
1. High protein (up to 28%, for optimal growth).
2. Gradual transition to a grower diet as they mature.
31
When do ostrich hens start laying?
Around 2 years of age.
32
How long do ostrich hens lay?
Over 30 years.
33
How many eggs do ostriches lay annually?
>70.
34
When does egg production begin and end?
Spring-Fall.
35
How many hours of daylight are required to extend laying throughout the year?
16 hours.
*Reducing this can halt egg production.
36
When are juvenile cocks and hens separated until?
Maturity.
37
When are mature birds separated?
Outside of the breeding season.
38
What does one breeding group consist of?
1 cock : 2-4 hens.
39
Describe the ostrich breeding pen.
1. 1-3 acres.
2. Barriers to prevent fighting between cocks.
3. Vegetation for privacy.
4. Well-drained.
40
How often should eggs be collected from ostrich nests?
2x daily.
*Watch for active cocks, they can be aggressive and protective.
41
What is unique about the male ostrich reproductive tract as compared to other birds?
An elongated phallus that engorges with blood during copulation.
42
What is the courtship behavior of the ostrich cock?
1. Vocalization.
2. Dancing.
3. Feather display.
43
How many females will an ostrich cock mate with in a mating season: One or multiple?
Multiple.
44
How many eggs per clutch does an ostrich lay?
15-45.
45
How much does an ostrich egg weigh?
1.4 kg.
46
What should an ostrich nest look like?
1. Shallow.
2. Made of vegetation for camouflage.
47
Both parents contribute to incubating the eggs, how does feather color aid in this?
The females incubate during the day, due to their brown and grey feathers blending in to the surroundings. The males incubate at night due to their black feathers blending in to the darkness.
48
What does clutch size depend upon?
1. Age of female.
2. Environmental conditions.
3. Resource availability.
49
How long is an ostrich egg?
15 cm.
50
What is nesting?
A natural process involving the creation of a protective site for laying and incubating eggs.
51
What are hatcheries?
Artificial environments designed for optimal egg incubation and hatching.
52
What are hatcheries used in commercial ostrich farming to do?
1. Control conditions.
2. Enhance productivity.
53
What are 6 critical factors for hatchability?
1. Breeder nutrition.
2. Mating quality.
3. Egg handling.
4. Equipment function.
5. Temperature.
6. Humidity.
54
What are the 3 key parts of hatchery design?
1. Cleanliness.
2. Durability.
3. Separate sections for egg cleaning, egg incubation, chick holding, and sanitation.
55
What are the 5 required equipment for a hatchery?
1. Standby generator.
2. Forced draft incubator/hatcher.
3. Pressure washer.
4. Vacuum.
5. Specific cleaning tools.
56
How are ostrich eggs stored in hatcheries?
1. Large end up.
2. 65-70.
3. Rotate 2x daily.
57
How soon after laying should eggs be set to maximize hatchability?
2-4 days.
58
How should dirty eggs be cleaned?
1. Gently scrape away the dirt.
2. 3% H2O2 and warm water if necessary.
59
How long does incubation last for ostrich eggs?
39-44 days.
60
At what temperature are ostrich eggs incubated?
97.0-98.4 F.
61
What % RH are ostrich eggs incubated at?
20-30.
*Allows appropriate water loss.
62
When does egg transfer occur?
No earlier that internal pipping.
63
What is used to confirm the eggs are ready for transfer?
Candling.
64
Why are eggs transferred?
To ensure accurate hatch timing.
65
What RH is the hatcher set to?
30-40%.
*Slightly higher temperature too.
66
What occurs in the hatcher?
External pipping.
67
How long are chicks typically kept in the hatcher post-hatch?
12 hours, enough time to dry without dehydration.
68
What is the high chick and juvenile mortality rate in ostriches a result of?
Poor brooding practices.
69
How can high chick and juvenile mortality rate in ostriches be remedied?
Training and supervision of caretakers to maintain optimal conditions.
70
What are the 4 brooding facility requirements for ostriches?
1. Protection from predators.
2. Protection from bad weather.
3. Dry, sanitary, well-ventilated environment.
4. Concrete floors for easy cleaning.
71
What temperature are ostrich chicks kept at from Day 0-10?
88-92 F.
*Avoid chilling or overheating.
72
What temperature are ostrich chicks kept at up to 3 weeks?
80-85 F.
73
What temperature are ostrich chicks kept at from 3-8 weeks?
70-80 F.
74
Why is burlap placed over the litter during the first week of life?
To prevent the chicks from eating it.
*Newspaper is slick and can cause leg injuries.
75
Why should foraging be balanced with a commercial diet in ostriches?
To avoid excess body weight, which harms meat quality and egg production.
76
At what age can ostrich chicks go outdoors?
6-8 weeks of age.
77
What must be provided to chicks if they are outside?
1. Nighttime shelter.
2. Clean, well drained pens.
78
What do 4 month old chicks require?
The same protection, despite being hardier.
79
What is the annual egg yield for an ostrich?
40-70 eggs/year.
80
What is the fertility rate of an ostrich?
80%.
81
What is the hatchability rate of an ostrich?
80%.
82
What is the chick livability rate of an ostrich?
80%.
83
What is the OUTRIGHT cost of a breeding pair of chicks?
$6,000.
84
What is the OUTRIGHT cost of a breeding pair of yearlings?
$12,000.
85
What is the monthly cost per chicks?
$50.
86
What is the monthly cost per yearling-2 year old?
$75.
87
What is the monthly cost per adult breeding pair?
$100.
88
What are the 3 varieties of ostrich?
1. Hybrid Blue.
2. Blue Neck.
3. Red Neck.
89
What is the size of the Blue Neck ostrich?
Largest variety.
90
How is the Blue Neck ostrich described?
1. Robust build.
2. Distinctive blue-tinged neck.
91
What are the uses of the Blue Neck ostrich?
1. Meat.
2. Leather.
*Due to size.
92
What is the size of the Hybrid Blue ostrich?
Medium to large.
93
What are the characteristics of the Hybrid Blue ostrich?
Combines the favorable characteristics of both varieties.
94
What are the uses for the Hybrid Blue ostrich?
High egg production.
*Ideal for breeding farm.
95
What is the size of the Red Neck ostrich?
Smaller than the Blue Neck variety.
96
What are the characteristics of the Red Neck ostrich?
1. Red tinged neck.
2. More resilient to hot conditions
97
What are the uses of the Red Neck ostrich?
1. Adaptable and hardy.
2. Less productive in egg laying as compared to Hybrid Blue.
98
What causes avian influenza and Newcastle disease?
A viral infection.
99
What are the symptoms of avian influenza and Newcastle disease?
1. Respiratory distress.
2. Lethargy.
3. Nervous system issues (ND).
100
How are AI and ND prevented?
Vaccination and strict biosecurity.
101
What is the cause of aspergillosis?
Fungal infection due to moldy feed/bedding.
102
What are the symptoms of aspergillosis?
1. Labored breathing.
2. Lethargy.
103
How is aspergillosis prevented?
1. Good ventilation.
2. Dry feed.
3. Dry bedding.
104
What is the cause of GI obstructions?
Ingestion of foreign materials.
105
What are the symptoms of a GI obstruction?
1. Bloating.
2. Loss of appetite.
106
How are GI obstructions prevented?
1. Clean enclosures.
2. Removal of debris from enclosures.
107
What are the causes of enteritis?
1. Bacteria.
2. Parasites.
3. Poor feed.
108
What are the symptoms of enteritis?
1. Dehydration.
2. Diarrhea.
3. Weight loss.
109
How is enteritis prevented?
1. Clean feed.
2. Clean water.
3. Routine deworming.
110
What are the cause of internal parasitic infections?
1. Worms.
2. Coccidia.
111
What are the symptoms of an internal parasitic infection?
1. Weight loss.
2. Diarrhea.
112
What are the cause of external parasitic infections?
1. Mites.
2. Lice.
113
What are the symptoms of an external parasitic infection?
1. Feather loss.
2. Irritation.
114
How are parasitic infections prevented?
1. Hygiene.
2. Routine deworming.
115
What are the causes of pneumonia?
1. Cold stress.
2. Poor ventilation.
116
What is the primary symptom of pneumonia?
Labored breathing.
117
What is the cause of heat stress?
High temperatures.
118
What are the symptoms of heat stress?
1. Lethargy.
2. Panting.
119
How are pneumonia and heat stress prevented?
1. Proper ventilation.
2. Adequate shade.
3. Dry housing.
120
What is the cause of avian pox?
A mosquito-vectored virus.
121
What is the primary symptom of avian pox?
Skin lesions around the eyes and beak.
122
How is avian pox prevented?
1. Isolation.
2. Mosquito control.
123
What causes nutritional deficiencies?
Lack of certain levels of nutrients in the feed.
124
What are the symptoms of nutrient deficiencies?
Varies by nutrient, but generally a decrease in health and egg production.
125
How are nutritional deficiencies prevented?
1. Feeding the animals a balanced diet.
2. Supplements.
126
What 4 things are crucial in health and disease prevention?
1. Routine Checkups (w/ a veterinarian).
2. Biosecurity Measures.
3. Nutritional Management.
4. Vaccination Program.
127
What are the characteristics of ostrich meat?
1. Lean.
2. Low fat.
3. High protein.
128
What is the per pound value of ostrich meat? How many pounds of meat can be derived from an ostrich?
1. $10.
2. 75 lbs.
*$750 from meat.
129
Who purchases ostrich meat?
1. Restaurants.
2. Export markets focused on exotic and healthy meats.
3. Specialty markets.
130
What kind of goods is ostrich leather popular in?
High end fashion goods.
ex: Belts, bags, shoes.
131
What is the value of ostrich leather/sq. ft. ? How much leather can be derived from one ostrich?
1. $40.
2. 14 sq. ft. .
*$560.
132
Who purchases ostrich leather?
1. Luxury brands.
2. Leather distributors.
*Potential for high profit margins.
133
What are ostrich feathers used in?
1. Fashion.
2. Crafts.
3. Industrial applications (ex: dusters).
134
What is the value of ostrich feathers/lb? How much leather can be derived from one ostrich?
1. $40.
2. 4 lbs. .
*$160.
135
Who buys ostrich feathers?
1. Supply craft industry.
2. Fashion industry.
*Recurring income, feathers regrow.
136
What are ostrich eggs used for?
1. Novelty and culinary markets.
2. Hatching eggs.
137
What are emu eggs used for?
1. Art.
2. Crafting.
138
Who buys ostrich and emu eggs?
1. Specialty food markets.
2. Restaurants.
3. Farms looking to breed ostriches.
139
Why is there a demand for breeding pairs of ostriches and emus?
A growing interest in ostrich and emu farming.
*Can become a breeding program.
140
What is the demand for agrotourism and educational programs concerning ostrich and emu farms?
1. Public interest in exotic animals.
2. Potential for educational tours.
3. Farm visits.
4. Interactive experiences.\
5. Public interest in sustainable farming.
141
What is the value of agrotourism and educational programs?
Additional income through ticket sales, workshops, and merchandise.
142
What are the 3 parts of farm entry control to ensure biosecurity?
1. Restricted access.
2. Disinfection station.
3. Vehicle control.
143
What is restricted access?
Limiting access to essential personnel only and implementing entry protocols for visitors.
144
How are disinfection stations implemented?
Placing footbaths and hand sanitizing stations at all entry points.
145
How is vehicle control implemented?
1. Restricting vehicles from entering sensitive areas.
2. Disinfecting any necessary vehicles thoroughly before entry.
146
What are the 3 parts of animal health management?
1. Quarantine New Birds.
2. Regular Health Checks.
3. Vaccination and Parasite Control.
147
How is the quarantine of new birds implemented?
Isolating any new or returning birds for 30-60 days to monitor for disease before integrating them into the flock.
148
How are regular health checks implemented?
1. Conducting routine health inspections.
2. Keeping records of bird health, vaccination, and treatments.
149
How is vaccination and parasite control implemented?
Following a strict and regular vaccination and parasite control program/schedule.
150
What are the 2 parts of feed and water hygiene?
1. Rodent and pest control.
2. Clean feed and water.
151
How is clean feed and clean water implemented?
1. Use high quality, uncontaminated feed.
2. Sanitize water sources regularly.
152
How is rodent and pest control implemented?
Maintaining a strict rodent, wild bird, and insect control program to prevent disease introduction.
153
What are the 3 parts of sanitation practices?
1. Clean housing.
2. Footwear and clothing protocol.
3. Waste management.
154
How is clean housing implemented?
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting bird housing areas, feeding containers, and equipment.
155
How are footwear and clothing protocols implemented?
Ensuring workers use dedicated footwear and clothing in bird areas to reduce cross-contamination or the possibility of introducing something new.
156
How is waste management implemented?
Properly disposing of waste and dead birds in a timely manner to prevent contamination.
157
What are the 3 parts of isolation and disease monitoring?
1. Isolate sick birds.
2. Monitor for signs of disease.
3. Regular testing.
158
How is isolating sick birds implemented?
Immediately removing and isolating any birds showing signs of illness.
159
How is monitoring for signs of diseases implemented?
1. Watching for respiratory issues, behavioral changes, or diarrhea.
2. Consulting a vet if symptoms are detected.
160
How is regular testing implemented?
Periodic lab testing for common diseases should be done.
ex: AI and ND.
161
What are 4 challenges with raising ostriches and emus?
1. Initial investment.
2. Land requirement.
3. Specialized knowledge.
4. Market fluctuations.
162
Why is initial investment a challenge?
Setting up a ostrich or emu farm requires a significant initial investment.
163
Why is land requirements a challenge?
Ostriches and emus need ample space to graze, nest, and exercise. A large operation would be 100+ acres.
164
Why is specialized knowledge a challenge?
Successful breeding and management requires knowledge of emu and ostrich husbandry and biology.
165
Why is market fluctuations a challenge?
Ostrich and emu products can fluctuate in price based on demand.
166
What are sources of initial investments?
1. Government grants/subsidies.
2. Bank loans.
3. Microfinance.
4. Cooperatives.
5. Private investors.
6. Family/Friends.
7. Partnerships.
8. Competitions.
167
What are the sub-parts of land requirements?
1. Size.
2. Fencing.
3. Shelter.
4. Pasture.
5. Accessibility.
168
What kind of fencing is required for ostriches and emus?
1. Strong.
2. Six-feet high.
3. Chain link or similar.
169
What should the pasture on an ostrich or emu farm look like?
1. Fertile.
2. Well-drained.
3. Plenty of grasses and plant variety.
170
What does accessibility allow for?
Easier transport of birds, equipment, and feed.
171
What are subcategories of specialized knowledge?
1. Breeding techniques.
2. Regulations.
3. Incubation management.
4. Farm management.
5. Nutrition.
6. Genetics and breeding program.
7. Health management.
8. Behavioral knowledge.
172
What are breeding techniques?
1. Mating cycles.
2. Fertility management.
3. Egg selection.
173
What goes with regulations?
Adherence to legal standards for animal production and welfare.
174
What is incubation management?
1. Temperature control.
2. Humidity control.
3. Ventilation control.
175
What is farm management?
1. Effective housing.
2. Land use.
3. Waste management.
176
What is nutrition?
Providing a balanced diet for health, growth, and reproductive performance.
177
What is genetics and breeding program?
Selective breeding.
178
What is health management?
1. Biosecurity.
2. Disease prevention.
3. Veterinary care.
179
What is behavioral knowledge?
1. Managing stressed animals.
2. Ensuring proper care.
180
What contributes to market fluctuations?
1. Diversify product line.
2. Use preservation and storage.
3. Establish long-term contracts.
4. Optimize production efficiency.
5. Monitor market trends.
181
What goes with diversify product line?
Spread risk across multiple products to reduce reliance on one revenue stream.
182
What goes with long-term contracts?
Secure stable pricing and demand through fixed agreements with buyers.
183
What goes with monitor market trends?
Track supply-demand shifts to adjust pricing and production strategies accordingly.
184
What goes with optimize production efficiency?
Reduce production costs to maintain profitability, even when prices fluctuate.
185
What goes with use storage and preservation?
Store products for future sale when market conditions are favorable.
186
How tall are emus?
5-6 ft. .
187
How much do emus weigh?
88-132 lbs. .
188
What does an emu egg look like?
1 lb. and dark green.
189
How long do emus live?
10-20 years in the wild, longer in captivity.
190
What is the behavior of emus?
More solitary and typically stay in pairs or small family groups.
191
What is unique about the emu digestive tract?
They lack a true crop.
192
What kinds of grains and seeds do emus eat?
1. Wheat.
2. Corn.
3. Barley.
4. Oats.
5. Grasses.
193
What foliage and plants are fed to emus?
1. Grasses.
2. Leaves.
3. Shrubs.
4. Herbs.
5. Fruits (Berries).
194
What protein is given to emus?
1. Insects.
2. Worms.
3. Small vertebrates.
4. Snails.
195
What fats are given to emus?
1. Seeds.
2. Fruits (Grapes and Apples).
196
How much water does an adult emu consume daily?
6-7 liters.
197
How many times per day should emus be fed? Specify times.
1. 3 times.
2. 7:00-11:30 a.m., 1:00-2:00 p.m., 3:00-6:30 p.m. .
198
When do emus lay eggs?
2-3 years old.
199
How long do emus lay eggs for?
Up to 10 years.
200
How many eggs annually do emus lay?
20-50 eggs.
201
What is the incubation period for emu eggs?
48-52 days.
202
What is the fertility rate of emu eggs?
80%.
203
What is the hatchability rate of emu eggs?
80%.
204
What is the chick livability rate of emu eggs?
80%.
205
What is the breeding season for emus?
May-August.
