Here are some interesting facts about the ostrich:
[Source: Onekind]
- The flightless ostrich is the world's largest bird.
- Ostriches have three stomachs.
- Ostriches can sprint at over 70kph, covering up to 5m in a single stride.
- When threatened, ostriches run, although they are capable of killing potential predators, such as a lion or a human, with a forward kick.
- An ostrich egg can measure up to 15cm long and weigh as much as two dozen chicken eggs.
- Lacking teeth, ostriches swallow pebbles to grind their food. An adult ostrich carries about 1kg of stones in its stomach.
- In some African countries, people race each other on the backs of ostriches, with special saddles, reins and bits.
The ostrich is farmed around the world, particularly for its decorative feathers, and also for its meat and skin. There is one ostrich farm in Port Dickson, about 1 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. Open everyday, the entrance fee is RM10.00 for adults and RM6.00 for children.
You will be taken on a tour around the farm, learn some interesting facts about the ostrich and stand on an ostrich egg. There are other animals in the farm, such as ponies and goats. You can hand-feed them with food sold at the entrance. Note: One packet is not enough. Buy five, if you love the feeling of animal mouths on your hands. You will also get to see an ostrich race and ride one too, if you wish. An ostrich will be blindfolded so that it doesn't sprint, and the staff will help you to mount it, which can be a bit tricky because it's tall. Then you just need to hold on to its wings, lean back and enjoy the ride. A handler will be there to guide the ostrich around. If you're feeling confident, you can ask him to make the ostrich go faster.
