How to Hatch Ostrich Eggs

The ostrich is the largest bird is the world. Although they are primarily found in Africa, they can be successfully raised in many other countries. An ostrich's egg is the largest bird egg; however, in proportion to the size of the bird, it is the smallest. Breeding ostriches can be fun and rewarding. But once the ostrich egg has been laid by the hen and fertilized by the rooster, a breeder will want to ensure the egg hatches. There are several steps that can help ensure a successful hatch.

Things You'll Need

• Pen and paper
• Disinfectant
• Incubating room
• Scale
• Candling light
• Hatchery

Instructions

1. Collect eggs at least once daily, as soon after laying as possible. Keep them separated from one another and record each with an ID number.

2. Disinfect the eggs and dry-clean especially dirty ones.

3. Store the eggs at 53.6 to 64.4 degrees F before incubating. Turn them forward in the morning and backward in the evening.

4. Weigh the eggs before incubating and record their weight.

5. Incubate eggs at 97.5 degrees F and at relative humidity of between 20 percent and 35 percent. Keep the tops of the eggs slightly warmer than bottoms. Ensure the incubation room is ventilated and the air gap is up.

6. Turn eggs two to eight times a day. If desired, candle the eggs once weekly and remove any dead eggs.

7. Weigh eggs at 21 days to check for weight loss. Ideal weight loss is 6 percent to 7 percent.

8. Set the hatchery temperature to 92.1 to 93.9 degrees F and lower the relative humidity by 1 percentage point.

9. The chicks should hatch themselves within two to three days of pipping. Assist chicks that are struggling.

10. Spray their umbilical cords with disinfectant. Keep the hatched chicks in the incubator until they are dry and their feathers are fluffy.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not allow visitors into the incubation room. This could spread germs. Be sure to use proper sanitation practices when handling the eggs. Hatching takes approximately 42 days.

References

• Ostrich Breeding, Egg Handling, Egg Collection; Incubation and Hatching
• American Ostrich Association; Frequently Asked Ostrich Questions