How to Build Fences for Ostriches

The height and long legs of an ostrich, and the behavior of some of the males, mean you need to build a special fence for ostriches. If ostrich chicks are being raised, use a different fence design. The ostrich fence is usually five to five and a half feet high.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Fence posts for a five foot high fence
• High tensile wire fence material or wire mesh
• Wooden droppers (also known as battens)

1. Choose an area close to the barn or shelter for the ostriches. Make sure you build in a grassy area as well. The actual size of the area should be large enough to provide the bird with room for exercise, yet still manageable for the ostrich keeper to maintain.
2. Prepare the area by placing fence posts in the corners of the perimeter. Then put a gravel edge along where the fencing will run. The ostrich tends to walk along the perimeter of the fence, and the gravel will protect the ground.
3. Secure the wire mesh or high tensile fence materials to the posts. The wire should go to the top of the fence post, but leave a gap at the bottom of the fence. The ostrich cannot escape through this bottom gap, but it is important in case the ostrich keeper needs to quickly escape from a bird with a temper!
4. Adjust the tension on the wire fencing periodically when you build the fence. There should be some give in the tension to allow for the ostrich to run at the fence.
5. Install the droppers, or battens, placing one at least every ten feet. Make sure the battens do not touch the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Make paddocks inside the fenced area to keep males from fighting. The paddock fences should be six feet high.
• Check fences often and make repairs accordingly.
• If using wire mesh, make sure the mesh is small enough to keep heads and legs from poking through it.