Ostriches

Ostriches are interesting and somewhat frightening to me. Reading the Best of the Web today I was shocked to learn that they do not bury their heads in the sand. A blogger, Cecil Adams aka The Straight Dope, laid out some interesting facts about ostriches and debunked of the head in the sand myth.

Instructions for feeding an ostrich: Leave the ostrich kibbles, United Bird Food's Ostrich Kibble 102 is good, in a container by the edge of the ostrich's pen. Feed once a day with ample water. NOTE: Ostriches do not like being watched while eating, and may attack you if you stand too close. We recommend leaving your ostrich to eat in peace. The same goes for grizzlies and hungry lions.

A few facts about this remarkable animal from Ostriches Online:

The ostrich is a member of the ratite family of birds. Ostriches cannot fly. There are 3 main species of ostriches of which only one, the Struthio Camelus Domesticus (the African Black), is found in captivity. Ostriches skeletons and fossils have been found which date back over 120 million years; ostriches are a true dinosaur. Ostriches produce the strongest commercially available leather in the world and some of the most beautiful feathers. Ostrich meat is a red meat and is very low in cholesterol, calories and is almost fat free. Ostrich meat resembles beef in its appearance and is cooked almost the same way. Ostrich meat tastes just like... well, it tastes just like ostrich meat. Ostriches are not an endangered species; there are at least 2 million worldwide. Ostriches have the best feed to weight ratio gain of any land animal in the world. They are successfully farmed in at least 50 countries; from the coldest climates of Alaska to the equatorial areas of central Africa. When fully grown an ostrich has one of the most advanced immune systems known to mankind. Ostriches are the second fastest animal in the world, and the fastest 2 legged animal. Ostriches can reach anywhere from 16 to 23 feet per stride and run as fast as 30 and 50 miles per hour. They can maintain this speed for at least 30 minutes. Ostriches do not bury their head in the sand. An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain. In captivity Ostriches normally live from 30 to 70 years Ostrich farming is one of the most open, free range farming alternatives available anywhere in the world today. On average, a trio of ostriches require about two thirds of an acre (0.25 hectares) to breed and run around in. Ostriches are an extremely resourceful species and are recognized as one of the only environmentally friendly animals in the world.