How to Buy Rheas

Rheas, members of the ratite family, are large flightless birds related to the ostrich. You can purchase them as pets or as alternative livestock. Rheas are farmed in the U.S. for their lean red meat, skin, feathers and eggs. The purchasing process will vary, depending on how you plan to use the animals.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Look online for animal classified ads. Common names for rheas include grey rhea, greater rhea and the common rhea for the larger species. The smalller species are known as Darwin's rhea or lesser rhea. Search for "ratite bird," which is the larger family of birds rheas belong to.
2. Post a want-ad in an animal classifieds section of online and paper publications.
3. Email ostrich and emu ranches. Many carry rheas, and even if they don't, they might be able to point you in the right direction.
4. Attend an exotic animal auction, like the Mid-Ohio Exotic Animal and Bird Sale, held three times a year in Mt. Hope, Ohio. This is a good option if you want to see the animal before you buy it.
5. Buy your rheas. There are a few options: purchase and incubate your own eggs. This is the cheapest option, but it is risky. If you mess up, no chicks. You can also buy chicks. They are cheaper than adults, but not as hardy. If you are planning on breeding and farming rheas, the quickest way to production is a breeding trio (two adult females and a male).
6. Transport your birds. Once you locate your rheas, you probably must have them shipped. Cost varies depending on how you have them transported and whether you supply your own crates.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the breeding history of the rheas' bloodlines if you are farming. Rheas that produce lots of eggs produce rheas that produce lots of eggs.