Things You'll Need:
- Pair of breeding ostriches
- Ranch land
- Incubators
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Step 1
Plow and replant the breeding paddocks before mating season. This gets rid of dangerous microbes that can potentially infect the eggs. If you have available space, fill only every other paddock to increase space between nests.
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Step 2
Keep the sexes separate prior to mating season. Do this for about two months before the mating season to increase the mating mood when they meet.
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Step 3
Allow breeding pairs to form naturally once the ostriches are reunited in a large group. After forming a breeding pair, they will stake out their territory, with the male digging out a hole to use as the nest.
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Step 4
Gather eggs after they are laid, which is about every second or third day. Males can be aggressive when protecting the eggs. Get a helper to distract the birds while gathering is done. Keep eggs between 55 and 65 degrees F for a day or two before placing in the incubator.
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Step 5
Incubate the eggs. Use a forced-draft incubator to keep the temperature between 96 and 99.5 degrees F, with a relative humidity between 35 and 40 percent for the first 40 days. Expect the hatching time to be from 36 to 45 days.
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Step 6
Turn the eggs. Eggs must be turned a minimum of five times per day, up to a maximum of 24 times per day.
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Step 7
Transfer eggs to a separate incubator about three to five days prior to hatching. Lower the temperature about one degree F, and increase the humidity to about 85 percent. Do not turn the eggs after transferring.
