General interest

Ostrich facts:

• Ostrich are members of the ratite family. There are three types of ostrich; the African black, the blue and the red.

• Ostrich can live up to 70 years.

• Ostrich can run 70 kilometers an hour (40mph) and maintain that speed for 15 minutes at a time.

• Adult birds can weigh from 115-160kg (250-350lbs) and reach a height of 2-2.8meters (7-9 feet).

• Ostrich have three pairs of eyelids, two toes and one toenail.

• Ostrich eggs weigh 1.4-1.8kg (3-4lbs).. the equivalent of 2 dozen chicken eggs.

• Eggs take 42 days to incubate.

• Ostrich egg shells are very popular for use in art, crafts and jewellery.

• Ostrich leather is the second strongest in the world and is very supple.

• Ostrich feather plumes are used in costumes, crafts and for dusters.