Ostriches - catching, restraint and handling

There are several safe and acceptable techniques available to producers for handling ostriches. It is recommended that people be familiar with ostrich behaviour prior to attempting to handle them. Ostriches have a powerful kick in a forward and downward stroke and can cause serious injury to a handler owing to their strength, speed and sharp toenails. Adult male ostriches that have established themselves in a paddock become territorial and may attack intruders, including their regular handlers. Female ostriches have also been known to attack people. Territorial behaviour such as fence pacing and fighting becomes more prominent during the breeding season. Temperament may vary with breed and between individuals and as placid birds can become hostile overnight, ostriches should be treated with respect at all times.

Equipment

Hoods

Hoods are commonly used by the ostrich industry to calm birds down once they have been captured and they facilitate handling aggressive birds. The hoods are made of material that excludes vision but allows breathing. There are commercially made hoods available, however many farmers and transport operators use tracksuit sleeves or socks with the toe cut out.

Methods of applying the hood differ. Commercially available products use an applicator that allows the hood to be placed from a distance. Alternatively the sleeve or sock method is where a hood is inverted over one arm and hand, the handler then grabs the closed beak between thumb and forefinger and slides the hood over the ostrich's head with the other hand. Care should be taken as a hooded ostrich can still kick or run away and injure itself.

Shepherd's crook

Training in the use of a shepherd's crook to catch ostriches is recommended, as incorrect use may cause injury to the bird. A shepherd's crook consists of a long (2.4 metres) extendable lightweight pole with a hook attached at one end. When using a shepherd's crook the ostrich may be approached from any angle, or alternatively let the ostriches run by the handler and hook the required bird. The technique involves grasping the bird's neck just below the head with the hook and gently but firmly extending it's neck until parallel to the ground, keeping it just below the level of its back. The bird will generally pull back on the crook however the ostrich can still come forward and kick, with the potential to cause injury to both itself or the handler.

A second stockperson then moves in behind the ostrich to steady it, allowing the first handler to hood the bird. The first handler maintains pressure on the crook whilst approaching the animal, then grasps the beak between thumb and forefinger and slides the hood over it's head and removes the crook.

Other

Grass rakes and push-poles are widely used to keep aggressive animals at bay. Both have a long handle with a flat or V shaped cross piece, which is held up against the ostrich's neck. This allows some control over the animal and keeps them at a safe distance from the handler. The ostrich can still kick out at the handler but cannot make contact with the person and may be driven in the required direction. It is essential to have a long handle and a sturdy cross piece to push away the ostrich.

Portable sheep yards with solid sides make ideal handling facilities for all but the largest of ostriches. Lining of laneways and yards with shade-cloth or conveyor belts aids the movement of ostriches by reducing their peripheral vision. In general, ostriches do not walk well up inclines such as loading ramps and level loading bays are recommended.

Protective clothing such as leather chaps and sturdy boots are recommended equipment when handling ostriches.

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Catching and handling

Chicks

Ostrich chicks can be herded as a group into a restricted area and be caught individually. Chicks are easily restrained and handled by picking them up and supporting the abdomen. It may be helpful to fold the legs together and hold the chick against your body to reduce the flailing of its legs. It is a good idea to have the vent pointed away from your body thus avoiding soiling of your clothing.

Chicks should never be picked up or carried by their head, neck or wings. Care must also be taken when herding the birds to ensure they are not trampled and caught in fences as skin damage can easily occur at this early stage of development.

Juveniles

Juvenile ostriches are easily herded into an enclosure with the assistance of other handlers, they will often follow a leader down a laneway or into a pen. It is recommended to have a holding yard such as the feeding/shelter facility or alternatively a set of portable yards, preferably with solid sides. Single birds may be caught using a shepherd's crook. Care has to be taken not to hook the bird below the identification tag if neck tags are used.

Birds may be individually caught and handled by one experienced stockperson. Juveniles are restrained by standing to the side of the bird and placing one arm around the chest at the base of the neck and the other hand is positioned on the rump. The bird is then moved around by applying pressure to walk it forward or backwards, the direction depends on the individual bird's preference. Catching and restraining of birds by a single wing is not recommended as it may cause the dislocation or fracture of the wing. Lifting juveniles may cause the bird to kick causing injury to both bird and handler.

The effectiveness of hoods at this stage of the ostrich's development is debatable. Older and larger birds may benefit from the use of a hood, however this depends on the individual bird. Some ostriches may sit down once they are hooded and the only way to get them up is by removal of the hood. It should be noted that some animals might not get up immediately, however when they do it will be sudden and at a rapid pace.

Yearling/adult birds

It is important to always remember the potential danger of being kicked and seriously injured, especially by adult males during the breeding season.

Successful capture and restraint of large ostriches requires two or three fit and strong handlers. Adult males can reach up to 3 metres in height and weigh in excess of 170 kilograms and when aggressive can be an intimidating and dangerous animal to catch and handle. Large ostriches may be captured in the same manner as juveniles ie: by herding into an enclosure or by using shepherd's crooks.

Adult birds are usually hooded once they have been caught and can be easily moved around with a minimum of fuss. Birds may strike out at any time so it is advisable to stand or walk behind or beside the bird.

When caught out in an open pen by an attacking ostrich without a crook or push-pole it is suggested to lay down flat on the ground. The ostrich cannot effectively kick down low and may trample you, however this is still the best option. An ostrich can run at speeds up to sixty kilometres per hour, therefore outrunning it is not an option.

A good policy where yearling or adult birds are involved is to have at least two people entering a pen or paddock to back each other up in case of aggressive ostrich behaviour.