Can You Have an Ostrich as a Pet? What You Need to Know Before You Buy
August 24, 2026
Ostriches are the largest birds on Earth, and for some people, that alone makes them irresistible. But before you picture one roaming your backyard, there is a lot to understand about what owning one actually involves. From state-by-state legal requirements to fencing, diet, and a price tag that can easily reach five figures, keeping an ostrich is nothing like owning a dog or a cat.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about having an ostrich as a pet in the United States — the legality, the daily care, the costs, and whether this bird is realistically a good fit for your life. If you are seriously considering it, read every section carefully before you make any decisions.
Can You Have an Ostrich as a Pet?
The short answer is yes — but with significant conditions. Whether you can have an ostrich as a pet depends largely on where you live. The common ostrich (Struthio camelus) is the world’s largest living bird, and it comes with care demands that most households simply cannot meet. Ostriches average 7 to 9 feet in height, weigh around 150 to 350 pounds, and can live for up to 30 to 40 years in the wild.
Domestic ostriches are likely to live up to 50 to 70 years. That means committing to an animal that may outlive many of the pets you will ever own. Deciding to own an ostrich as a pet is not a decision to be made lightly. They eat quite a lot and are not the cheapest pet to take care of. On top of it all, they can live for at least half of your own life and are much taller than you.
For the right person — typically someone with acreage, agricultural experience, and a genuine passion for exotic animals — an ostrich can be a fascinating and rewarding animal to keep. For most households, the reality is far more complicated. Learn more about the biology and behavior of this remarkable bird in our detailed ostrich overview.
Are Ostriches Legal to Keep as Pets?
Every state has exotic animal laws that allow, restrict, or prohibit the ownership of certain types of animals. Ostriches fall into a gray area across the US — they are neither universally banned nor universally permitted without conditions. Ostriches are legal and do not need a permit in most states in the US, but they are illegal to own in Maine, and you will need a permit in Florida and import documentation in Oklahoma, to name a few of the guidelines.
Some states require you to possess a special permit to adopt one, as their governments believe the owning of an ostrich is no easy task. Even in states where ostriches are broadly permitted, local county or municipal zoning laws may add another layer of restriction. While your state may allow you to keep certain animals as pets, local laws can restrict ownership. State laws are frequently changing in response to concerns for public safety and animal well-being. You should always double-check for any new or proposed state or local legislation.
Important Note: The legal landscape for exotic animal ownership shifts regularly. Always verify current rules with your state’s fish and wildlife agency and your local zoning office before purchasing an ostrich. According to FindLaw (last reviewed August 2023), carrying liability insurance is also a good idea for exotic animal owners in case the animal injures someone.
Birds require health certificates, lab testing, and veterinary examinations for transportation between states. If you plan to purchase an ostrich from out of state — which is common, given how few breeders exist — you will need to clear these requirements before the bird ever arrives at your property.
What Does It Take to Care for a Pet Ostrich?
Caring for an ostrich is closer to managing livestock than keeping a pet. The space, infrastructure, and daily attention required go well beyond what most people anticipate. Ostriches need a minimum of 1 to 2 acres per pair — they need room to run. That figure is a floor, not a ceiling. The more open land you can provide, the better.
Fencing is one of the most important investments you will make. Fencing should be at least 6 to 8 feet tall since ostriches can jump 5 feet. Use woven, heavy-gauge wire rather than welded wire, as ostriches will test it. Gaps should be no wider than 2 by 4 inches to prevent head entrapment. A shelter is also non-negotiable. A large, dry barn with a minimum of 12 by 12 feet and sand floors encourages nesting. Ostriches tolerate heat well but need shade and fresh water. Avoid mud pits, as they can cause foot infections.
Due to their inquisitive nature, ostriches are at particular risk of foreign body ingestion. They enjoy exploring things in their vicinity, and great care should be taken to clear living spaces of any potential hazards. Electric heaters for ostriches can be a disaster, as they will peck at anything, especially electric cords and light bulbs.
Social interaction is vital for ostriches, as they thrive on companionship. Whether from their human caretakers or other ostriches, socializing is essential for their well-being. Many experienced keepers recommend having at least two birds to prevent behavioral problems that stem from isolation.
Pro Tip: Before you buy an ostrich, spend time at a working ostrich farm. Hands-on experience handling these birds gives you a realistic sense of their size, temperament, and daily demands — information no article can fully convey.
Veterinary care adds another layer of complexity. It is essential to establish a relationship with a veterinarian who is experienced in treating exotic birds and can provide the necessary medical care for the ostrich. Exotic avian vets are not common in every region of the US, so identifying one before you bring a bird home is a practical necessity. Droppings and debris must be cleared out daily. This is not a low-maintenance animal by any measure.
What Do Ostriches Eat?
Plant matter is the primary source of an adult ostrich’s diet in the wild. They forage for grasses, leaves, bushes, shrubs, berries, seeds, and sprouts. In a domestic setting, you will need to replicate this nutritional variety while also meeting the specific demands of a captive bird. In human-managed domestic environments, their diet should consist of a mix of fresh greens, commercial ratite pelleted food, and various fruits and vegetables.
A solid base diet includes commercial ostrich pellets with 18 to 20 percent protein and high fiber, fresh greens such as alfalfa, clover, and kale, and grit to help digestion. You can also give ostrich-safe fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, grapes, squash, carrots, and bok choy. Be careful not to give them large pieces of fruit or vegetables, as these can get lodged in their throats.
According to the Open Sanctuary Project, which cites husbandry guidelines from the Western Sydney Institute, the average daily amount of food an adult ostrich should receive is 3.5 kilograms, or over 7 pounds. That is a significant daily feed commitment, and costs add up quickly at scale.
There are also clear foods to avoid. Bread and processed foods can cause blockages, and small objects are a real danger since ostriches will eat rocks, nails, and similar items. Ostriches have unique dietary requirements and cannot survive on chicken feed or other types of commercial poultry feed. Always work with a veterinarian or ratite specialist to build an age-appropriate feeding plan.
- Chicks: High-protein commercial starter feed to support rapid growth
- Juveniles: Lower protein, higher fiber grower feed as they develop
- Adults: Balanced maintenance diet of pellets, fresh greens, and safe fruits and vegetables
- All ages: Access to clean water at all times and appropriate-sized grit for digestion
Do Ostriches Make Good Pets?
Honestly, it depends entirely on your definition of “good pet” and your situation. For the right person, ostriches can make an amazing addition to the right farm. They are visually striking, behaviorally interesting, and can be surprisingly interactive with people they know well. But they are not companion animals in any conventional sense.
Ostriches can be dangerous if provoked. Males especially can display aggressive behavior during mating seasons. Their powerful legs deliver strong kicks capable of serious injury. Ostriches are forward kickers and have been known to kill lions with just one kick. This is not a bird you can approach carelessly or handle without proper training.
An ostrich’s powerful, long legs can cover 10 to 16 feet in a single stride. These legs are also formidable weapons. Ostrich kicks can kill a human or a potential predator like a lion. Each two-toed foot has a long, sharp claw. Respect for the animal’s natural behavior is not optional — it is a safety requirement.
A healthy ostrich will exhibit signs of alertness, have glossy feathers, clear eyes, and a well-nourished appearance. Avoid ostriches that seem lethargic, have disheveled feathers, or show any signs of injury or illness. Even a well-socialized ostrich is still a wild animal at heart, and that should always inform how you interact with one. If you are curious about how caring for exotic animals compares to more common pets, our article on owning both a puppy and a kitten offers a useful contrast in commitment levels.
Pros and Cons of Having an Ostrich as a Pet
Before committing, it helps to weigh the genuine advantages and drawbacks side by side. The table below summarizes the most important considerations for a US-based owner.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fascinating and visually impressive animal | Requires 1–2+ acres of land minimum |
| Long lifespan — up to 50–70 years in captivity | 50–70 year commitment is a major life decision |
| Can produce eggs, feathers, and leather as byproducts | Kicks can cause serious or fatal injury |
| Relatively disease-resistant with proper care | Exotic avian vets are scarce in many US regions |
| Thrives in warm US climates (Texas, Florida, etc.) | Illegal or permit-required in several states |
| Can bond with familiar caretakers over time | Not a cuddly or traditional companion animal |
| Low vaccination requirements in most cases | Setup and ongoing costs can exceed $20,000+ |
Before committing to pet ownership of an ostrich, reflect on ethical responsibilities: ostriches are wild animals with complex needs that may not be fully met in captivity. Many do better living in conservation farms or sanctuaries than individual households. That is an honest consideration worth sitting with before you move forward.
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Pet Ostrich?
Ostrich ownership is expensive at every stage — purchase, setup, and ongoing care. Chicks typically cost $500 to $2,000 depending on lineage, adults can run $3,000 to $10,000 or more, and setup costs for fencing, a barn, and initial feed can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or higher. These figures are estimates from ostrich care resources and can vary significantly by region and breeder.
Beyond the initial purchase, owning ostriches requires ongoing investment in housing and infrastructure, since they need spacious and secure enclosures with adequate shelter and fencing. Feed and nutrition are a constant expense, as ostriches have specific dietary needs. Veterinary care, including regular check-ups and potential emergency expenses, is part of responsible ostrich ownership.
Unexpected expenses such as medical emergencies also add up quickly. Finding an exotic avian vet who can treat a 300-pound bird is not always straightforward, and emergency care for an animal this size is not cheap. Ostriches are far from conventional livestock, and raising them requires special infrastructure. Ostrich farming also lacks the widespread subsidies or incentives that other more traditional livestock industries benefit from, meaning much of the cost is shouldered directly by the owner.
Key Insight: Budget conservatively. Most first-time ostrich owners underestimate ongoing feed and veterinary costs. A realistic annual operating budget for a single ostrich — covering feed, routine vet care, and enclosure maintenance — often runs several thousand dollars per year beyond your initial setup investment.
If you are comparing the financial commitment of exotic pet ownership to more common animals, it can be helpful to start with the basics. Understanding what everyday pet care looks like — from dog dental health to safe foods for dogs — gives you a baseline for how different exotic care truly is.
Where to Get a Pet Ostrich
Sourcing an ostrich responsibly is just as important as all the preparation that comes before it. The best place to start is a licensed ostrich farm with a verifiable track record. When selecting an ostrich, a healthy bird will exhibit signs of alertness, have glossy feathers, clear eyes, and a well-nourished appearance. Avoid ostriches that seem lethargic, have disheveled feathers, or show any signs of injury or illness.
Several established US ostrich farms sell live birds. Clark Ostrich Farm, a multi-generational family operation, sells breeding-age pairs and yearlings and generally recommends that beginners start with older birds rather than chicks or eggs. For those new to farming ostriches, they generally only sell older ostriches rather than hatching eggs or live young chicks. They have found that by doing so, the purchaser can learn about the ostriches and their unique characteristics before attempting to incubate, hatch, and raise chicks. This has provided a much higher success rate for those who are just beginning with ostrich farming.
Superior Ostrich, based in Central Texas, also sells live birds. They offer a limited number of high-quality birds each season for farming, breeding, and production operations. Their live ostriches are bred for performance, health, and longevity, and all birds are raised on their ranch with strict animal welfare protocols. Midwest Ostrich Company is another option, selling live birds along with eggs and feathers from their multi-pen operation.
A few practical steps to follow when sourcing your bird:
- Verify the seller’s licensing — confirm the farm is compliant with state and federal regulations before any money changes hands.
- Visit in person — seeing how the birds are housed and handled tells you far more than a phone call or website.
- Request health documentation — ask for veterinary records, and remember that birds require health certificates, lab testing, and veterinary examinations for transportation between states.
- Avoid exotic animal auctions without thorough research on the seller’s background and the bird’s history.
- Skip pet stores — pet stores are rarely equipped for ostriches.
Owning an ostrich is a genuine long-term commitment — financially, physically, and legally. If you have the land, the resources, and the patience to do it right, these birds can be extraordinary animals to live alongside. If any of those pieces are missing, appreciating them from a distance — or at a reputable farm or sanctuary — is the more responsible path. For more everyday pet guidance, explore our articles on topics like safe snacks for cats and dog reproductive health to keep your current pets thriving while you plan ahead.