Ostriches' reproduction behaviour and mastery of natural incubation under farming conditions

Abstract

This study describes the ostriches' behaviour in natural incubation and two key elements to improve this way of reproduction: artificial introduction of eggs in the nest and modifying the nest location when not adequate. Six females and 3 males were observed during four reproduction seasons. The results show that it is possible to lead ostriches change the nest. Eggs incubation was the male and the main female's responsibility; the second female of the trio shared this task in 85% of cases. Presence of eggs incited ostriches to sit in the nest. Incubation per se began when the couple took turns in a regular way to perform this role; mating and laying stopped. Hatching was marked by a higher aggressiveness among parents who watched over the nest to ensure the hatching of late eggs and continued to sit in the nest as long as there were eggs. The mean fertility and hatchability of set eggs were 58.68 and 41.55% respectively. Fertile eggs had less than 12 days of storage when introduction into the nest. Viability at 3 months of the chicks kept with their parents was higher than that of the chicks reared by our care (82% and 57% respectively).