The world’s largest birds are returning to God’s Country, where they were once popular winged guests. The Ostrich and Emu, the world’s largest and second largest birds respectively, are getting rockstar attention in Kerala’s pet markets, which are springing up all over the state, as aspiring entrepreneurs set out to exploit the business potential of these fascinating markets.
Such is the demand for these birds that they have become an indispensable breed in the private livestock areas that flourish in the state, with Malappuram in the North Malabar region accounting for the majority of these farms. Many such farms are now springing up across the state and these are cited as an emerging trend.
Ostrich and Emu breeding have now become professional for entrepreneurs willing to take the plunge into animal breeding.
Raise the winged wonders
The Ostrich, considered the largest bird in the world, is estimated to grow up to nine meters in height, with its neck accounting for almost half of it. Animal market entrepreneurs have realized that the Ostrich, which is an African native, can easily be bred in Kerala. A fenced environment that is at least four to five meters high is necessary for ostrich farming. These birds should be provided with ample space to run.
There must be room to run. Male Ostrich birds have large heads and will be black in color, and sport white feathers on their wings and tail. The female Ostrich can be identified by its brown carapace. Thus the determination of the sex of the birds is an easy proposition from a very young age.
An Ostrich needs about five kilograms of concentrated feed, two chicken eggs, and some chopped green grass in its diet. They should also be given large amounts of clean water. Ostriches reach maturity when they are two and a half years old.
Grow the Emu
Emu birds are bred in the ratio of one to two, or two males for every female Emu. These birds, which become mature at the age of two, can be raised in large groups or in pairs. During the breeding season of the Emu, which is from December to January, a male must be removed from the group.
Emu eggs are green in color and weigh on average 900 grams. Emu birds lay eggs at an interval of almost six days. If a male Emu starts incubation, he should be removed from the group and another male Emu should be added to the group. The male Emu also shares the responsibility of incubation.
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The female Emu lays an average of 12 eggs during the breeding season. This number can vary depending on the food provided to the Emu and its age. The Emu egg will take an average of 58 to 62 days to hatch.
A pair of Emus requires about three kilograms of concentrated feed, a minimum of ten liters of water, and vegetables including carrots and cabbage. The necessary vitamins and minerals are also added to the diet.
Enjoy the family getaway – Kasavi Paradise
Located near the Vaniyambalam temple in Malappuram, Kasavi Paradise is a pet market that provides opportunities for families and children to enjoy a fun day out. The variety of attractions at Kasavi Paradise includes ostriches, emus, horses, turkeys, ducks, pigeons, cats, iguanas, hedgehogs and a wide variety of parrots. Kasavi Paradise is still a work in progress and founders Salman and Shanavas expect it to be fully operational by March. A variety of fruit trees are another attraction of this animal house.
Salman originally envisioned and built the farm as a place for his family to relax and spend quality time. However, after people started coming in droves to enjoy the winged wonders and other attractions, it was converted into a commercial enterprise.
Contact: Salman: 759194686, Shanavas: 8111877752
