The rhea is a bird similar to the African ostrich from South America. Description and features of the ostrich rhea

30.09.2019

Nandu is separate species ostriches, common in the territory South America. These birds form their own separate family - rheas. Despite external resemblance with flightless ratites living in Africa, yet the relationship with these feathered creatures is currently considered controversial. Some researchers believe that ratites appeared on different continents at the same time. However, given that these birds are not able to fly, most likely their ancestor still had this ability. Due to different habitats, many species of ratites have gone through their own path of development and adaptation to existing conditions, and therefore have a lot of distinctive features.

Rhea is a separate species of ostrich, common in South America.

These birds are significantly smaller in size than their possible relatives from Africa. The common rhea grows to approximately 1.4 m in height. The weight of an adult bird usually ranges from 30-40 kg. The South American ostrich rhea has quite thick plumage. Not only the body, but also the long neck has such a covering. Like other species of ostriches, rheas have a relatively small head. The eyes are quite large, thanks to which the birds have excellent vision and can notice any approaching predator.

Like other feathered creatures, rheas have a beak. It is pointed and relatively small, so it does not weigh down the head. Since these birds abandoned flight, preferring terrestrial life to it, in the process of adaptation they developed long and very strong legs. Thanks to its strong joints, the bird can move quickly even on rocky terrain. To maintain stability, 3 toes are preserved on each foot. The foot of adult individuals is covered with a thick horny covering, which greatly facilitates movement over rough terrain. This South American ostrich can reach speeds of about 60 km/h.

Despite the fact that these birds lost the ability to fly due to their weight, their wings were not reduced. They are actively used when running, which allows the ostrich to better maintain balance. In some cases, the wings spread out like a sail. This allows the ostrich to run faster, using less energy. Quite impressive claws are also hidden under the feathers on the wings, which can be used as weapons when attacking a predator and while searching for food.

Thanks to its strong limbs, the American ostrich can not only run well, but is also an excellent swimmer.

The feathers of a rhea resemble soft fluff. Thanks to this, the plumage looks very fluffy. However, even if the ostrich really wants to use its wings to fly, it will not be able to do this, since there are no special hooks that would hold together individual elements, forming a strong, smooth surface of the feather, like other birds. The rhea ostrich has a very specific voice. The singing of these birds cannot be called pleasant. When giving voice, sounds similar to “nan-doo” and wheezing appear.

Snow-white rheas (video)

Gallery: ostrich rhea (25 photos)

Rhea ostrich habitat

These birds are distributed over a fairly wide area. Large populations of them are present in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Some species of ostriches, classified as rheas, are found primarily in southern Peru. Typically these creatures prefer open savannas and steppe zones. Many species of rhea ostrich graze in the windswept lowlands of Patagonia.

These birds are also fond of the Andean mountain plateaus. The so-called Darwinian rhea can climb to a height of about 4500 m above sea level for grazing. This species is also found in the subpolar extreme south of South America. The northern rhea prefers to settle in lower areas where the air temperature is higher. These birds easily adapt to new conditions, so they can live wherever the areas are rich in food. Rhea ostriches, living in rather difficult conditions of savannas, are omnivores. Their diet includes:

broadleaf plants;
fruits;
seeds;
roots;
insects;
small vertebrates.

It is believed that these birds, when given the opportunity, can kill and eat snakes. For a long time, rheas can do without water, using the amount of liquid that is present in food. Since ostriches, like other birds, do not have teeth, they solve this problem by regularly swallowing small pebbles, which are called gastroliths. They help break down food in the stomach, allowing it to be extracted maximum quantity nutrients.

Behavior in nature and reproduction of rhea ostriches

Throughout the year, females try to gather in herds of up to 30 individuals. This allows them to be more protected from possible predators. Males can form small flocks, but usually they lead a solitary lifestyle, defending a separate territory. In some cases, the groups are mixed gender. Rhea-like animals are quite calm about the proximity of ungulates, so they can join their herds. During the breeding season, harems are usually formed in a separate territory, in which there is 1 male for every 3-7 females. This is enough for the birth of offspring.

Over a long period of time, the male must prepare for the upcoming breeding season. He needs to eat a lot. It is the male in the harem who incubates the eggs, so he needs to accumulate large fat reserves. Only after this can he begin to fight for the right to become a father. If the harem chooses a male, he begins to prepare the place where the clutch begins. The eggs of the rhea bird, like those of other species of ostriches, are quite large. The volume of 1 ostrich egg is equivalent to 2-4 dozen chicken eggs.

Considering that they are a tasty dietary product, for many centuries local residents have been stealing them for food and using the shells for crafts.

After the eggs are laid, the male begins to incubate them, covering them with his thick feathers from the hot sun and coolness of the night. A clutch may contain from 15 to 40 eggs. Incubation continues for 6 weeks. After the chicks hatch, their father immediately tries to take them to any source of water. After that he long time stays with the young. He does not need to look for food for the chicks, since from the first days they cope with this task themselves. Thus, the male acts as an accompanying protector from the predator.

Representatives of the opposite sex do not participate in incubation. They continue to feed. They do not participate in the further raising of chicks. Throughout the summer, they try to go out in search of food in the morning and evening, since at noon the air temperature rises to critical levels. In some areas, ostriches become nocturnal.

Attention, TODAY only!

Already known in livestock farming, the rhea ostrich comes from South America. It is a flightless bird whose weight increases rapidly with skillful breeding. Their natural habitat is not Africa, as many people think, but Chile, America, Brazil, South America and even Bolivia. The rhea differs from its African relative by being slightly lighter in weight. He also only has two toes instead of three.

There is no definitive answer as to whether the African and American rheas are closely related. Their identity has not yet been established. IN Russian farms Rhea, which lives in South America, is used for breeding. It adapts better to cold and changeable climates.

Visually, the two types of rhea are extremely difficult to distinguish. You should pay attention only to the number of fingers. As you know, a native of South America has only two of them. This type is suitable for Russian farms. Everyone knows another species - the Darwin ostrich, which is even smaller than the rhea. It is rarely used in domestic livestock farming, as it has even smaller sizes.

The main differences between rhea and ostrich

Are there any differences between the common ostriches and rheas? There are very few external differences. But there are important indicators that will definitely be useful for breeders:

The last difference between the rhea and its possible relative is its running speed. The bird is much slower than a regular ostrich, but can accelerate to as much as 60 km/h. In nature, she can not only run fast, but also swim. It is known that rheas in South America even swim across local rivers with ease. He attacks the local farmers' fields with lightning speed. He is compared to locusts.

American ostrich rhea: description of the species

Before you start breeding poultry, even if it’s not local, you should familiarize yourself with its basic indicators and description. For rhea they are:

One flock usually contains no more than three dozen individuals. In its natural environment, this species is on the verge of extinction. Local farmers often contribute to this. Their lands are attacked by ostriches, so the latter are destroyed. Nevertheless, they are now artificially bred in many European countries, in Russia.

The character and behavior of ostriches in life

It is no coincidence that there are less than 50 rheas in one flock. The fact is that the ostrich is one of those individuals that needs space. They are freedom-loving and do not tolerate the presence of several males in a pack at once. Usually their number does not exceed two individuals in a flock.

Interesting to know! Despite this nature of rheas, they can easily get along with other species of birds and domesticated animals. The reason lies in instincts. This species is several hundred years old. By teaming up with others, they were able to survive and protect themselves from predators.

For this reason, rheas are often housed on farms with artiodactyl animals. They get along well with them, no worries arise. And the birds themselves cannot be called hostile. They will even prefer to run away from the enemy than to fight him. This species loves solitude, living in a small flock, and having free space. The rhea also shows incredible care for its offspring. This applies not only to females, but also to males.

Benefits of breeding Nandu

Rheas have been domesticated for a long time. The reason lies in the fact that they easily adapt to almost any conditions. They can be found even in Germany. For example, this is where there are many farms where this bird is bred. In livestock farming it is valued due to:

Therefore, rhea breeding is a profitable business. There are quite a few such farms in Russia. There is virtually no competition. The popularity of the case is gaining momentum, as the bird has heavy weight, and is also unpretentious to living conditions. Its mortality at the growing stage is minimal.

Offspring

IN farms In one flock there are from 5 to 30 individuals. This amount is typical in natural conditions. Leaving more birds in a flock can lead to constant conflicts between them. The optimal number of males is one or two. Don't worry that it's too little.

One rhea male can fertilize 5-7 females. The calculations should be based on these figures. Important Features:

When does the female start laying eggs? This happens in spring or autumn, and late. This is typical for any climate. Rheas are monitored for their offspring, but farmers themselves should pay attention to the clutch. To do this you need:

The diet and lifestyle of young animals is significantly different from adults. Little ostrich chicks need the following conditions:

In the first week, you need to equip the rooms with eggs with proper lighting. It is advisable to save it until the chicks are born.
The air should be moist, not dry (up to 65-70%).
There is no need to use straw or grass as bedding until the young animals are at least 1 month old.

Important. The rhea ostrich is still not whimsical in breeding. During the season you can get several dozen new individuals at once.

Nutrition for the ostrich rhea

Rheas are not carnivores, so their diet is exclusively herbivorous. There is information that they can hunt small vertebrates, such as frogs.

There is a rumor in South America that birds can even catch frogs with their beaks. Of course, when breeding you need a completely different diet. It must be balanced. The following is a table of suitable foods for rheas.

Table 1. Diet for rhea ostriches

Type of food for rhea	List of products and explanation
Foods of plant origin containing fiber and carbohydrates	Cereals, corn. This is an essential part of the diet.
Vitamins and minerals	Potatoes, beets, carrots. During the winter season, the flock and young animals cannot do without these products. They need to add them to their food every day.
Fiber	The food in the rhea's stomach is well digested, but sometimes difficulties arise. Therefore, you should add meadow grass to your diet from time to time. It also contains the moisture necessary for the ostrich.
Squirrels	In order for the bird’s weight to increase, you need to give it fish, cottage cheese and even eggs. The ostrich readily accepts fermented milk products as food. These foods are included in the daily diet. Of course, they increase the farmer’s expenses, but the weight of the individuals will increase significantly.
Water	Daily consumption.
Supplements	If required, according to indications.

You should not switch your flock to only one type of food. Their diet should be balanced. Only then will the ostriches reach the required weight.

Nutrition is also the key to the health of young animals. Individuals do not feed from the ground or floor feeders. They only need hanging ones. Up to 4 kg of feed should be poured into one such feeder at a time. The amount of food should be calculated based on the number of individuals, young animals in the flock, and their weight. Also, one should not forget about pure Veda. It should be changed twice a day. A floor feeder is also suitable for water. It is important to create conditions to which rheas are accustomed in natural conditions. This is why feeders with food are hung. This is necessary so that the individual gets it as if plucking it from a bush or tree.

Rhea is an unpretentious bird, but it still requires compliance with the rules of keeping. It is important to walk her, and not just keep her indoors. In winter, this may be difficult. In cold weather, rhea can be walked at temperatures that do not drop below 4 degrees below zero. If it decreases, then the flock needs to be moved indoors.

Content Features:

In the summer, the flock can be outside behind a fence. For winter it requires a separate warm room. The ostrich does not tolerate drafts, so attention should be paid to thermal insulation.
Dry straw, less often grass, is used as bedding.
An enclosure should be made in an open space for the flock. It can be fenced, for example, with a net.
Small artificial pond. It is necessary to place there large number river sand.

Important. Since the bird loves space, both the aviary and the room must have sufficient area. The ceiling height is at least 2.5-3 meters.

Is it worth raising ostriches in Russia?

In general, the rhea ostrich adapts to any climate, even if it natural environment are subtropical. In Russia and Europe, these birds easily get used to a different diet and temperature regime. Favorable conditions should be created for them, and then breeding will become a profitable business. If you neglect simple recommendations, then the young animals in the flock are unlikely to be healthy.

The advantage of such a business is that there are not so many farms in Russia where ostriches are raised. Therefore, you can easily find customers. Among the clients there will be not only those who need rhea meat, but also feathers and fat. All of them are highly valued all over the world, including in Russia.

Ostriches can be raised not only on separate farms, but also together with artiodactyls. Farms are often converted to breed such birds. She can live side by side with cows and goats. In order for the flock to feel favorable, it is necessary to provide all the conditions, temperature conditions and premises in winter that are listed above.

Video - Breeding ostriches

Nandu – amazing ostriches, attracting with their exterior and behavioral characteristics. Birds are valued for their egg products - they are low in calories and have excellent taste. Rhea is also bred to obtain dietary, tender meat. And incredibly beautiful products are made from animal feathers and skin.

Historical information

Ostrich Nanda, according to archaeological excavations, was the first bird that appeared on Earth from its order. Scientists have long argued over which zoological family the animal belongs to. And we still haven't come to unanimous opinion. Some are convinced that the South American ostrich is the main representative of ostriches, others are sure that ostrich features were acquired during evolution, others classify it as a cryptotail.

The breed became famous in the 16th century. Initially, these were birds domesticated by the Indians, which were used for feathers and meat products. In 1884, the Nanda was given a description, and in 1894, a family of ostriches appeared, consisting of two species: small and northern. Both are on the verge of extinction due to active hunting for them.

Rheas got their name because of their unique voice: the roar of a large predator, for example, a lion. The voice of birds is not similar to the sounds that birds make. In addition, when the animal begins to “scream”, the sounds of “nan-doo” can be clearly heard. That is why this name was assigned to ostriches.

Ornithologists note that such sounds are often made by males during the mating season. But birds are able to “speak” differently, emitting slightly hoarse sounds that serve as a danger signal and a warning to their fellow birds. If Nandu is angry, he starts hissing.

Bird feathers are popularly used to make jewelry, hats, fans and fans. But they are not pulled out, but carefully cut off right next to the skin 2 times a year. The birds do not suffer from this. Ostrich skin is valued no less than crocodile skin. It is used to make luxury accessories and expensive women's handbags.

Description of the animal

The Nandu ostrich is a flat-chested or ratite animal with an elongated oval-shaped body. Stands on big strong legs. The bird has a long neck and a miniature head. The plumage color is brownish-gray, grayish-brown or pure gray. There are white spots on the back. Among the Nandus, albinos with white plumage and blue eyes are often found.

Unlike African ostriches, South American birds are twice as small. Their weight varies between 40 kilograms, and the largest individuals reach a height of 140-150 centimeters. There are short feathers on the neck, which Africans do not have at all.

There are three toes on the paws, while African ostriches have two. The toes are connected by a short membrane, which is why they run worse than their African relatives. It is extremely rare that Nandu can reach speeds of more than 60 kilometers per hour. When running, the stride length is 1.5-2 meters.

But this is compensated by its excellent swimmer abilities - the ostrich easily overcomes rivers. While running, Nandu spreads his wings like a sail, which helps him maneuver better. At the ends of the wings there are claws - keratinized processes that allow the bird to defend itself in case of attack.

The video shows a close-up of the common ostrich Nandu. Here you can examine in detail what this tall, fast bird looks like externally:

Spreading

Rhea is often found in South America. Common large ostriches are common in Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil, and Uruguay. They prefer open savannas. They live in low-lying areas with milder and warmer climatic conditions.

Small ostriches are found in the southern regions of Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Southern Peru, and on the island of Tierra del Fuego. They are capable of being located in places at altitudes of up to 4,500 kilometers.

Lifestyle and behavior

Generally, the preferred time for the Nandu ostrich is during the day. Prevent being active in daytime Only excessive drought and extreme heat can kill birds. During this time, Nandu is awake in the evening or at night.

Birds live in flocks of 10 to 35 individuals. In such a family there live several males, a couple of females and young animals.

Species status and relationship with humans

Nandus were used by Indian tribes to obtain feathers and meat for food. Bolas, which are throwing weapons, were used to hunt them. It was made from a belt, and round stones were tied to its end. A little later, Nanda feathers were exported to make jewelry, and the skin of the birds was used for various products.

Due to hunting of birds and destruction of their habitat, the population has decreased significantly. Farmers note that Rheas feed on grasses necessary to feed their livestock, and flightless individuals also tend to eat grain from the fields. For these reasons, birds are often shot if they appear near agricultural land. Birds suffer no less from wire fences - after severe injuries, birds die.

Rheas build their nests in the ground by digging holes, which they then cover with grass. The male is the main guard of the home. A special feature of a laid egg is its initial sterility, but after cooling, bacteria can penetrate through it. The surface of the eggs should not be washed, even if it is very dirty.

To stimulate high egg production, it is necessary to remove eggs from the nests at least 2 times a day. The average weight of one egg is about 620 grams. In it, the yolk is located in the center, where it lies in layers - light and dark. An intensely colored yolk indicates that the female’s diet contains a lot of vitamin A.

A distinctive feature of egg products is their incredible benefits and nutritional value. One ostrich egg can replace 10-12 chicken eggs. This is a dietary product that promotes satiety.

Sometimes Nandu eggs are used in folk crafts. The shell of the product is dense, due to which creative personalities souvenirs are made from it. Eggshells also make beautiful vases and canvases.

Nutrition

Rhea likes to eat not only grain crops, but also various insects and even small reptiles. They don’t have to drink water; they can live without it just fine by feeding on pasture.

At home, birds feed on succulent herbs and root vegetables, preferring beets, boiled potatoes, and carrots. Little ostrich chicks need a lot of protein; they are fed eggs, fish, cottage cheese, and yogurt. Experienced farmers do not recommend giving fresh milk to chicks.

Birds love to feast on locusts - they consume them in unlimited quantities. Sometimes, due to overeating, the ability to run quickly is simply lost.

Reproduction

Nandu ostriches attract attention with the process of reproduction; it begins with the collapse of the flock. The males begin to perform a mating dance, kneeling down, howling protractedly, spreading their wings.

Flightless birds are considered polygamous, that is, during the mating season, one male can mate with several females at once, sometimes this number reaches 5-7 individuals. Females lay their eggs in a common nest. The incubation period lasts about 1.5-2 months, after which the chicks hatch. Ostrich chicks are incubated by males. If the eggs were laid outside the nest, a caring male will definitely return them back. During the brooding period, the female becomes the head of the family, bringing food.

25-30 ostrich chicks weighing about 500 grams can be born at the same time. Babies grow quickly, they have from birth strong vision and excellent hearing, due to which they are able to move independently. Because of poachers, young animals often do not survive even to 1 year.

Caring for offspring

Although Nandu is a polygamous bird, he is inclined to take care of his own offspring. Already in early spring, the male begins to intensively court his lady. At this time, the female experiences an increase in egg production. The male prepares a nest for his chosen one in advance - he covers the dug hole with grass or hay, which adds softness and warmth. The bird carefully guards its beloved and nest. And if someone approaches, it begins to hiss.

Females lay eggs in one nest. At home, you need to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the nests, because bacteria can penetrate through the shell into the eggs. After laying the eggs, the females immediately look for other partners, while the male rheas incubate the chicks, not leaving the eggs for a minute.

Breeding Nanda

The ostrich thrives in captivity. Birds are raised on special farms for further production of feathers, skins, eggs and meat products. It is especially popular to breed birds specifically to obtain eggs, because it is known that they contain many useful substances and microelements.

Breeding Nandu ostriches today is no longer considered exotic. If you approach this process competently and responsibly, you will be able to receive good profit and build a good business. At home, Nanda is bred in several ways:

Adult Nandas are kept in closed enclosures, but are walked regularly. The male is allowed to incubate the eggs, but he must also care for the young, as well as protect the ostrich chicks from predators. In captivity, a male can hatch more than 20 eggs.
Keeping parents in open pens or insulated rooms guarantees excellent egg production. All eggs are taken from the female and transferred to an incubator. It is believed that if you take eggs from a bird more often, then they will appear constantly. It is optimal to collect eggs from the female at least 2 times a day.

When choosing any option, it is permissible to give part of the eggs to the bird for hatching, and collect the other half for the incubator.

Raising chicks

Newborn ostrich chicks reach a height of about 20 centimeters. They grow very quickly, about 1 centimeter per day. IN general birds reach a height of about 1.5 meters. For the first three days, the chicks are not fed or given water - this promotes rapid resorption of the gall sac. It is imperative to keep ostrich chicks at a temperature of no more than 32-33 degrees.

On the fourth day, babies are fed a mixture containing crushed clover leaves or alfalfa with mixed feed. They also give you some water. Along with this meal, boiled eggs and cottage cheese must be added to the menu.

When ostrich chicks turn 40 days old and for up to 3 months of age, they are fed with mixed feed. Be sure to place separate feeders for them, where there will be small pebbles or gravel. Young birds begin to eat grass food in the summer, consume root crops in the fall, and silage in the winter.

Rheas are an American species of large birds that cannot fly but can move faster than a car. The animal differs in external characteristics, diet and breeding. Breeding ostriches for egg and meat products is a profitable business.

Ostriches are large birds that cannot fly, but move faster than a car. The different types of ostriches are the African ostrich, the American Nandu ostrich and the Australian Emu ostrich. The article describes each species and provides information about the economic purpose of each bird.

Characteristics of the African ostrich

Description of the species

According to current classification The African ostrich is the only representative of the ostrich family. Other species of ostriches (Nandu and Emu) are considered only its closest relatives. The African ostrich is the largest in the world. The weight of the bird can reach 150 kg, and its height is 270 cm.

Compared to the powerful body, the bird's head is small. The neck is long and flexible, the eyes are bulging with long eyelashes. Birds have two powerful toes on each foot. One of them has a claw. One kick from a bird is enough to injure or even kill a lion.

Males are distinguished from females by the presence of black wings.

Ostriches cannot fly, but they run very fast. The bird's stride length is 4 m. A young ostrich can accelerate to 50 km/h. An adult reaches speeds of up to 70 km/h. Birds do not slow down when turning.

Ostriches hardly sleep. At night, they can take a 15-minute nap several times. To do this, they lower their head along the body or stretch it out on the sand in front of them. During such a break, the bird is protected by relatives.

Place of distribution

The African ostrich and its Somali subspecies live in savannas and deserts beyond the equatorial forests. Birds graze in the same territory as antelopes and zebras. They move in with their neighbors and warn them of danger, as they are the first to notice it thanks to their vigilance and tall stature.

The list of products from the ostrich diet is small:

flowers;
seeds;
fruit;
insects;
reptiles;
rodents;
carrion.

Mostly babies eat animal food; adults prefer plant foods. Since the bird does not have teeth, the food it eats is ground into the stomach by eating pebbles and pieces of wood.

Birds can drink salt water or not drink water at all by eating special roots.

Reproduction

The ostrich is a polygamous animal. They gather in groups of 3-5 individuals, which are led by a single male. Such groups gather after the male performs a mating dance: standing on his knees, he flaps his wings and hits his head on his back, the dance is accompanied by screams and hisses; during the ritual, the wings can change color, becoming brighter.

The harem is headed by dominant individuals of both sexes, who participate in the reproduction of other groups. The dominant female incubates the chicks of all other females.

During nesting, birds gather in large groups of 30 or more individuals. The male digs a nest 30-60 cm deep. Ostrich eggs are pale yellow in color and large in size - 21 cm in length and 2 kg in weight. A clutch can contain from 15 to 60 eggs. During daylight hours the female sits on the eggs, and at night the male sits on the eggs. The dominant female lays her eggs in the middle, where it is warmest and safest. Some of the chicks die. The incubation period is 40 days.

Newborns weigh approximately 1 kg, have hearing, vision and are able to move independently. The cubs develop quickly; by 4 months the weight increases to 20 kg. Up to a year old, all young animals look the same, and only in the second year of life do males acquire black wings. Birds can participate in breeding from the age of 3 years. Lifespan African ostrich on average 75 years.

African ostrich breeding

The bird is of great economic importance, so hunting for this family is very popular. Today, it has become popular and profitable to breed African birds at home, nature reserves and zoos, so extinction this species not a threat.

Breeding goals of the African species:

Feathers are used to decorate interiors and clothing.
Ostrich leather is used in the production of clothing, shoes and accessories. Ostrich leather is very durable.
Tasty and healthy ostrich meat is eaten.
Eggs are also very nutritious and are used as food.