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84 Hand-Rearing Birds

Figure­4.3­ Emu chick eating from feed top-dressed with fresh greens to encourage foraging behavior.

bacterial and protozoal organisms. This practice has also led to severe disease outbreaks. Some
farmers feel that probiotics assist in development of balanced flora, but this has not been substanti-
ated scientifically. Fresh water should be provided at all times; automatic livestock waterers are
useful for older birds. Birds will cease eating if water is not available.
At approximately 2–3 months of age, the protein level of the feed is progressively decreased to
reach 13–15% by the time birds are 6–10 months of age (O’Malley 1996; Cilliers and Angel 1999;
Mazuri/PMI Nutrition International 2012). Feeding frequency should also be decreased to limit
growth rates. Chicks placed in outdoor paddocks will supplement their food intake by grazing.
Maintenance and breeder rations are used for birds over a year of age, as appropriate.

­ Expected­Weight­Gain

Commercial species of ratites grow rapidly. Ostrich chicks may increase in height by 30 cm per
month and can reach 4 kg in weight by 1 month of age, 9–14 kg by 2 months, 20–30 kg by 3 months,
and 40–50 kg by 4 months (Huchzermeyer 1998). Ostrich chicks develop their juvenile plumage at
approximately 3 months of age, and gain adult plumage and weight by the second year of life. Emu
chicks gain juvenile plumage at approximately 2 months of age; full adult plumage and full height
are reached at approximately 1 year of age. Emu chicks should achieve hatch weight by day 6–7,
will weigh approximately 1.5 kg at 1 month, 6 kg by 10 wks, 16 kg by 20 wks, and continue to grow
steadily until reaching adult weight (O’Malley 1996).

­ Housing

A number of references describe the management of young ratites (Jensen et al. 1992; Minaar and
Minaar 1992; Tulley and Shane 1996; Huchzermeyer 1998; Minaar 1998; Verwoerd et al. 1999;
Glatz and Miao 2008; Biggs 2013). Chicks are moved from the hatcher into a brooder pen – a