Extraordinary Ostrich

Bigger Can Be Better

South African Black Ostrich (Struthio camelus domesticus) there are a few southern ostrich subspecies, more detailed here Ostriches

South African Black is widely farmed for its meat, eggs and feathers which are of higher quality to the subspecies, also endemic to South Africa.

Nutrients in this meat provides iron, vitamins B12 and B6, riboflavin, thiamin, selenium, niacin, zinc, and phosphorus. Tasty many describe between beef or pork, it is red meat although poultry and hold higher nutritional value to chicken or turkey meat, I buy ostrich regularly to me it holds a slightly wild meat flavour I do enjoy. Steak, goulash, mince, sausages (wors) or burgers it is quick and easy to cook, loaded with great taste.

Skins are dried used for shoes, handbags, wallets and an array of fashionable items, strong yet comfortably thin. Feathers another in fashion design, not up to scratch in fashion will be used making feather dusters.

Eggs, this I tried when young and never had the opportunity to buy one again, Dad purchased one egg I would estimate it is equivalent to about two dozen chicken eggs. We made omelette, baked cakes and biscuits from that one egg it fed the family of six comfortably. Dad drilled holes on each end to allow the egg to drain out.

Curios sell painted in great decoupage like the one I have, known to be carved onto as far back at the 17th century, or painted to use in churches dating even earlier in time. Tribes living on the land store water in them like a flask, shell is often cut then crafted into effective kitchenware, as bowls and drinking cups.

As the worlds largest flightless bird, believe me they know how to run, kick and protect themselves. On some farms they have ostrich races where staff have learned to ride them, similar to the horse track these guys really take this sport quite serious.

Hope you enjoyed these extraordinary birds we see them on farms or in the wild here in South Africa never treat them with disrespect they are wild birds that live in flocks. Think about it; "A frightened ostrich can achieve a speed of 72.5 kilometers (45 miles) per hour. If cornered, it can deliver dangerous kicks capable of killing lions."

Thanks for visiting Feathered Friends, Entry to #SMAP No. 179 - Bird Contest with host @nelinoeva FEEDING EXTRAORDINARY

Feathered Friends Community gratitude to @melinda010100 for sponsoring the contest. Our talented artist @barbara-orenya for on-going creative support.

All photography and stories are my own, first three photos taken 2010, photography of egg 2020, thanks for reading and visiting.

Thought for Today: "More fearful than an ostrich." - Arabic Proverb

How To