Krasnolimanskaya ostrich farm
A piece of Africa in Ukraine
Traveled from Donetsk. The path is not close - we spent about 3 hours on the road.
An African bird is bred in the Krasnolimansky district on the picturesque edge of a pine forest. There are all the necessary conditions for these fast-moving birds - space, ecologically clean environment, sandy soil.
The first acquaintance with the farm began with a huge sign telling about the inhabitants of the farm. African black ostriches, horses, deer, ponies, African donkeys, Vietnamese piglets, sheep, rams, ornamental bird, ornamental rabbits, entots, wolves and even the Himalayan bear. . .
There are always enough people who want to admire the "African birds". Therefore, security guards are on duty around the clock on the farm - faithful watchdogs!
Our guide introduced us to the basic rules of behavior with these birds. Ostriches are very sensitive and startled by loud noises. Specially bought horses (among them 3 ponies), which deliver food and water to the paddocks and brooders. The ostrich is an unpretentious bird. They eat everything they give - mixed fodder, barley, oats, beets. And also - gravel and chalk, which strengthen the bones. In the summer, of course, the main food for them is grass. In winter, it is replaced by hay. These birds do not like being teased.
An adult male carries a person without difficulty. When an ostrich runs, it can reach speeds of up to 70 km / h. But on the farm, riding ostriches is not practiced...
Ukrainian ostriches are accustomed to people and do not show excessive aggression. Unless during the mating season (from March to October). Mostly outbursts of rage occur in adult males. Females are more calm. An ostrich in "anger" never attacks surreptitiously. Before going on the attack, he emits a guttural hiss, stretches his neck and raises his wings.
And as a sign that they are very well, ostriches perform a kind of dance. They spread their wings, lift them up, stand on one leg and... circle in one place. As I understand it, ostriches are Muslims, because. for one male there are several! ; )
I also noticed that especially jealous males pinch their females, depriving them of plumage. But even this does not prevent them from being Women: posing for cameras, flirting, accepting gifts (treats)!
Our next stop was an ostrich egg omelet tasting. Ostrich eggs to taste - like chicken, by weight - 1.5 - 2 kg. They are stored for a long time: in the refrigerator - a year! But breaking an egg is impossible. Needs to be drilled. Shell thickness - 3mm. And the ostrich splits it, being a weight of 900 grams! And they cook for a long time: hard-boiled - 2 hours each.
Great weekend getaway for families with kids! =)
