Big future ahead for these little chicks | The Mercury
BABY ostriches imported by Zoodoo are a familiar bird for owner Trevor Cuttriss.
Mr Cuttriss was an ostrich farmer on the same site now occupied by the Richmond wildlife park.
The 20 chicks hatched six days ago on a Victorian farm that exports ostriches, used for leather, meat and feathers.
They are on display in Zoodoo’s animal nursery but will soon stretch their legs.
“They have to be kept warm at night, They have a special protein diet,” Mr Cuttriss said.
“But it has to be balanced because if they grow up too fast, their legs give way underneath.”.
“They will soon go into an outside area because it’s important they build up their muscles. In the wild they’d be running long distances with their parents.’’
The ostriches weigh 1kg but will grow to a towering 120kg each.
“They’ve very friendly, very inquisitive and they’ll come up to you.’’
Zoodoo already has several adult ostriches, but Mr Cuttriss wants plenty of new birds ready to match an African-themed attraction.
Young zebras will also soon be on their way.
The flightless ostrich, native to Africa, is the world’s biggest bird.
BABY ostriches imported by Zoodoo are a familiar bird for owner Trevor Cuttriss.
Mr Cuttriss was an ostrich farmer on the same site now occupied by the Richmond wildlife park.
The 20 chicks hatched six days ago on a Victorian farm that exports ostriches, used for leather, meat and feathers.
They are on display in Zoodoo’s animal nursery but will soon stretch their legs.
“They have to be kept warm at night, They have a special protein diet,” Mr Cuttriss said.
“But it has to be balanced because if they grow up too fast, their legs give way underneath.”.
“They will soon go into an outside area because it’s important they build up their muscles. In the wild they’d be running long distances with their parents.’’
The ostriches weigh 1kg but will grow to a towering 120kg each.
“They’ve very friendly, very inquisitive and they’ll come up to you.’’
Zoodoo already has several adult ostriches, but Mr Cuttriss wants plenty of new birds ready to match an African-themed attraction.
Young zebras will also soon be on their way.
The flightless ostrich, native to Africa, is the world’s biggest bird.