Anne-Charlotte PasseraAn ostrich in a Quebec field. Although in enclosures, this is what you will see at Nid’Otruche, a unique farm in Saint-Eustache, not far from Montreal.
Although originally from the African continent, the Quebec ostrich has adapted to the cold climate of the beautiful province.
In the past, ostrich feathers adorned the helmets of medieval Europe’s knights and, in the 19th century, these feathers were sold as feminine adornments.
Today, ostriches are raised for their meat and hide, which provides a soft, fine-grained leather.
By visiting Nid’Otruche, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about this large, flightless bird and to see babies. A fun and playful outing guaranteed for young and old.
The origin of the ostrich
Wild ostriches live in the savannahs and dry, hot forests of Africa. They used to roam all over Asia, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula, but due to intensive hunting, their range has been reduced to sub-Saharan Africa, according to the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
Specifically, they are found over an area of almost 400,000 km in South Africa’s geographical navel, the Great Karoo. This must be one of the quietest places on earth, as it only receives about 75 ml of rain annually!
Oudtshoorn (pronounced… as well as possible), is the ostrich capital of the world. This village became a center of interest for the Queen Victoria of England in the late 19th century. At that time, ostrich feathers were fashionable in Europe to adorn ladies’ hats. Oudtshoorn experienced a considerable boom and the ostrich breeders became very rich.
terra-group.com
Types of ostriches
There are different types of ostriches that can mainly be distinguished by their color:
- Black: it measures more than 6 feet and has a grayish neck and legs. It is the smallest species of ostriches found mainly in South Africa.
- Blue: it has a bluish neck skin and can measure up to about 7 and a half feet.
The blue ostrich represents the average size of an ostrich. It can also be distinguished from the male which has blue thighs. This species is mainly found in Zimbabwe and Somalia.
- Pink: the skin of the neck, the legs and even the thighs are oinkish-red. It is easy to distinguish as it is the largest. It is the most aggressive of the ostrich species. This species is native to Tanzania and North Africa.
Characteristics of an ostrich
The ostrich is the only bird that has two toes on each foot and a claw. All other birds have three or four toes. It’s hard to tell how old it is unless you look at its teeth. An ostrich can live between 30 and 40 years in the wild and longer in captivity.
Ostriches can’t fly, but they can run! Thanks to its long legs, powerful thighs, and sturdy feet, this large bird can cover five meters in a single stride and reach speeds of over 70 km per hour!
Speaking of legs, did you know that an ostrich is capable to kill a lion to protect its babies or eggs? Indeed, ostriches fight with their feet. They kick forward because that’s the direction their legs bend. With that kind of kicking power, a good kick can kill a lion.
This species of bird is very curious, especially with the beak.
Its diet
Ostriches are omnivores, which means that they eat both plants and meat. Although they prefer plants – especially roots, seeds, and leaves – they also eat locusts, lizards, snakes, and rodents, according to the San Diego Zoo.
They also eat sand and pebbles, which they grind up before it reaches their stomach.
The young
The mating season of an ostrich in Quebec takes place between April and the end of October. She will lay eggs every other day if the weather is good between 3pm and 6pm. To do this, it must be sunny and warm.
When a male is in “heat”, his beak becomes red as well as his legs. He is ready to mate and can be very dangerous.
The eggs can weigh up to 3 pounds and are naturally glossy. The eggs are laid in a nest dug in the ground by the male, which can contain about 60 eggs at a time. The males, as well as the females, sit on the eggs until they hatch, which can take from 42 to 46 days.
Ostrich babies are larger than those of any other bird. At birth, ostriches can be as large as chickens.
They will keep their birth plumage until they are 12 months old. It is at this time that the color will change to reveal the sex of the ostrich. Black for the males and grey for the females. The legs and beak of the males will also become pink.
Myth
Have you ever heard that ostriches bury their heads in the sand to hide? Well, as funny as it sounds, it’s not true! In fact, they do it to take care of the nest and their young. Otherwise, they sometimes lie down with their heads on the ground when they feel threatened. The ostrich only looks like it has buried its head because its head and neck blend in with the color of the sand.
The ostrich becomes an adult at 3 years old, weighing up to 450 pounds and measuring up to 9 feet in a male. It is from this age that an ostrich can reproduce for up to 40 years.
Do you know what an ostrich breeder is called? A raticulturist, because the ostrich comes from the ratite family.
Ostrich look-alikes
Although they are both part of the ratite family, the ostrich is often confused with the emu. I even made the mistake when we visited Nid’Otruche and my husband was quick to correct me (he saw the sign before me!).
The Emu comes from Australia and its 20 cm long wings exist only in the form of stumps. Males and females look alike with the same brown-black plumage. It has three toes and three claws per foot. Its back always seems to be wet, but in fact, it is oil. The reproduction period takes place in winter and it is the female who chooses her male.
As for the Rhea, it looks a lot like the ostrich but is smaller. If you are not sure how to differentiate the two, just look at the feet. The Rhea has three toes and three claws per foot. Its plumage is very soft with a gray-brown color but can also be white. The male usually has a sort of black half-moon barrette at the base of the chest that goes up on part of the neck.
As much as the Rhea is similar to the Emu, their origin is different. The Rhea is common in South America and is also smaller than the emu.
The history of Nid’Otruche
It all started in 1997 when Nicolas Charbonneau, owner of Nid’Otruche, went to Sainte-Hyacinthe for an agricultural show.
Nicolas wanted to get back to the land and when he saw two ostriches, he fell in love at first glance.
From there, he went to do a 2 months internship on a farm held by an Australian who turns out, was selling his ostriches. Nicolas left with 19 ostriches!
He started breeding ostriches on his 112 acres with his Winnipeg ostriches. He now has over 200 of them! About 20 males and females are used for breeding purposes.
The farm opened its doors to the public shortly after in 1999 and Nid’Otruche now employs about ten people.
Before 2012 and the H1N1 flu, Canada had 600 ostrich farms. The cooperative system did not work in Quebec. Of the 120 ostrich farms that once existed, only Nid’Otruche in Quebec remains. There are still others in Canada, notably in Western Canada and around Toronto.
It’s a real passion for the ostrich that Nicolas has and is 100% dedicated to it. With a little luck, you will come across him during your visit.
Today, over 50,000 visitors are welcomed annually.
How the farm works
The meal takes place once a day in the morning and by pen. On the menu: a special feed. It’s produced directly on the farm, which consists of corn, barley, and alfalfa. It does not contain growth hormones, animal flour, or medication. 100% natural and at will. In the evening, the eggs are collected as the ostrich lays in the late afternoon.
In winter, ostriches are mainly kept indoors in heated greenhouses. However, the ostrich has adapted to the cold weather in Quebec and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees outside. They even play in the snow because they were born here. But when it’s icy outside, they are not allowed to go out. They could hang-glide and break a leg.
Visit of the ostrich farm
The visit of Nid’Otruche lasts about 1h30. In the past, you were allowed a guided tour, but due to the Pandemic, it’s different. Fortunately, Nid’Otruche was able to adapt and innovate to make the tour safe and just as interesting.
Nicolas was able to highlight not only the interesting facts about ostriches but also their heritage in South African culture.
During a trip to South Africa in 2012, Nicolas lived on ostrich farms, including the one in Highgate located not far from the cradle of ostriches in Oudtshoorn. He brought back some interesting cultural facts as well as crafts.
Airtruche
Start your visit with the Airtruche tractor safari. The ride lasts about 30 minutes and will take you to see different enclosures of ostriches from 4 to 12 months.
This is a guided tour in French that will give you, with humor, a lot of new knowledge about the history of ostriches and their ancestral land of South Africa.
The horns of the Watusi, an African cow, can measure up to 1m long.
You will not be able to get out of the tractor and separate compartments have been set up so that you can visit safely.
The breeding ostriches live in a separate greenhouse out of sight so as not to disturb the females during the mating season.
While waiting to get on the tractor, a small playground is available. It’s perfect to keep the children waiting.
The self-guided visit
The self-guided tour takes place at the back of the ticket office and is divided into three parts.
You’ll start by learning about incubation and even see newly born ostriches. There is a small museum to learn more about South African culture with signs that will make you question your knowledge.
From there, you will go to a mini-farm. You can’t miss it because the goats like to make noise and get your attention.
Finally, there are the different enclosures to see emus, rheas, and ostriches. The ostriches you will see are juveniles, but you will also see big ones like the red, the black, and the blue. It is impressive!
Ostriches, at least the little ones, are attracted to bright colors and shiny things!
Videos and information panels explain everything in-depth about the life of ostriches. It’s very well done and short enough to keep children’s attention.
Practical information
The cost of admission is $18 for adults and $15 for children aged 4 to 12. It’s possible to book your tickets online HERE.
The safari tour starts at 10:15 am and the last one is at 3:30 pm. There is a ride once every hour.
Due to the Pandemic, Nid’Otruche is no longer open year-round. You have until October to visit this year, otherwise, you’ll have to wait until next May (depending on the weather).
You can do the free visit with strollers easily. Dogs are obviously not allowed on the site.
Parking is FREE.
There is a small snack bar on site that we, unfortunately, did not have time to try. I would have loved to taste the ostrich hot dog!
Derivative products
At the end of your visit, you will pass by the store. You will find a lot of products derived from the ostrich. They are 100% made in Quebec. In the mood to help a local farm?
Ostrich meat
Ostrich meat remains unknown. Contrary to what one might think, it looks more like red meat than poultry. It is leaner than chicken.
It’s red meat that can be cooked like beef. Ostrich meat provides more protein and iron than beef and is much less fatty.
We have tested the recipe for ostrich tartar on the Nid’Otruche website which you can find HERE (in French) as well as others. Raw is good! Although I personally prefer salmon tartar (out of habit), I liked the slightly wild taste of this ostrich tartar.
If you don’t like raw, marinate your ostrich filet mignon with olive oil, parsley, and dijon mustard. Then, place your piece on the BBQ for 20 minutes. It’s that easy!
Cosmetics
The ostrich fat is filtered and purified to make cosmetics like soap, oil, or cream. The owner’s wife has developed her own recipe and you will find a whole range of them in the store.
A natural product 100% made in Quebec.
In Africa, ostrich fat is known for its benefits against skin problems (eczema) and joints (arthritis). It is the belly fat that is used, melted at low temperature (40 to 60°C), and used in daily friction on the concerned area.
In addition to reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing, it is rich in Omega-9 which helps to strengthen the immune system, and also in Omega-6.
Although its effectiveness has been proven on several occasions, it has long been forgotten.
Nid’Otruche’s soaps with essential oils are a complement to oils or creams. They soften and moisturize the skin. It is the virtue of the oils that compose them that differentiate them from one another.
Use the one with mint and coffee in the kitchen. It helps to remove the smell of onion or garlic by exfoliating and refreshing your hands.
The ostrich oil is moisturizing, softening and regenerating.
I didn’t see if ostrich fat from this Quebec producer was sold separately in the store, but it would be interesting if it was.
The egg and hide
The ostrich egg contains a lot of albumins which helps in the regeneration of bones and tissues. Mixed with honey, this protein helps to heal open wounds. You can buy it in the store of Nid’Otruche.
It takes 45 minutes to boil a single ostrich egg.
Finally, ostrich leather is very soft and has “beads” (feather insertion marks). It is very durable and can be used to make shoes or belts. I did not check if such products existed in the store because I was more interested in meat and cosmetics.
Although this visit was done on #invitation, the opinions and words are my own. Moreover, I would not have mentioned it as a family activity to do in August if I did not see the interest.
An ostrich farm in Quebec is something to see at least once in a lifetime!
