The world’s largest birds are returning to God’s Own Country, where they were once popular winged visitors. Ostrich and Emu, the world’s largest and second largest birds respectively, are now getting rockstar attention in pet markets in Kerala, which are springing up across the state, as aspiring entrepreneurs step in to take advantage the commercial potential of these attractive marketplaces.
Such is the demand for these birds that they have become an indispensable breed in the private pet zones that are flourishing in the state, with Malappuram in the northern Malabar region accounting for most of these farms. Many such farms have now sprung up across the state and they are being touted as an emerging trend.
Ostrich and Emu farming have now become profitable ventures for entrepreneurs willing to venture into pet farming.
Growing wings wonders
The Ostrich, considered the largest bird in the world, is estimated to grow up to nine feet tall, with its neck about half that. Entrepreneurs in the pet market thought that the Ostrich, which is an African native, could easily be raised in Kerala. A fenced environment at least four to five feet high is required for Ostritch farming. These birds should be given enough space to run around.
There should be room to run. Male Ostritch birds will have large heads and they will be black in color, with white feathers on their wings and tail. The female Ostritch can be identified by its brown complexion. So determining the sex of birds is an easy proposition from a very young age.
An Ostritch needs about five kilograms of concentrated feed, two chicken eggs, and a piece of chopped green grass in their diet. They should also be given plenty of clean water. Ostriches reach maturity when they are two and a half years old.
Raising Emu
Emu birds are bred in a 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 pairs. During the Emu’s breeding season, which is from December to January, one male must be removed from the group.
Emu eggs are green in color and on average weigh 900 grams. Emu birds lay eggs at about six day intervals. If a male Emu begins to incubate, it should be removed from the group and another male Emu should be added to the group. The male Emu also shares the responsibility of incubating the eggs.
The female Emu lays an average of 12 eggs during the breeding season. This number may vary depending on the feed given to the Emu and its age. An Emu’s egg takes an average of 58 to 62 days to hatch.
A pair of Emus needs about three kilograms of concentrated feed, at least ten liters of water, and vegetables including carrots and cabbage. Necessary vitamins and minerals should also be added to the diet.
Enjoy a family-friendly getaway – Kasavi Paradise
Located near the Vaniyamambaalam temple in Malappuram, Kasavi Paradise is a pet market that provides an opportunity for families and children to enjoy a fun-filled day. The various attractions of Kasavi Paradise include Ostriches, emus, horses, turkeys, ducks, pigeons, cats, iguanas, hedgehogs, and many different parrots. Kasavi Paradise is still a work in progress and founders Salman and Shanavas expect it to be fully operational by March. Different fruit trees are another attraction of this pet farmhouse.
Salman initially envisioned and built the farmhouse as a place for his own family to relax and spend quality time. However, after people began to gather to enjoy the winged wonders and other attractions, it was converted into a commercial venture.
Contact: Salman: 759194686, Shanavas: 8111877752
