Monday, July 7, 2014

6 July 2014



THE OSTRICH EGG

Well, it has happened, the number one thing to do on the “Top 10 Things to do List” has been eradicated – removed – done away with – put to rest with finality - the Ostrich egg has been obtained. It is great when what seems unattainable is finally attained. The lucky egg was acquired in Oudtshoorn, South Africa – the ostrich capital of the world - in a small remote Mom & Pop store stuck away in an obscure alley.
 And what was the cost of the prize possession, you may ask? It was a staggering R50 which is about $4.90. What a gem; what a jewel; for such a meager amount. Why, it will surely measure up proudly to any Charlie Russell or Rembrandt. It will become a family heirloom to be cherished by family 
 members for millennia.





The egg of this egg was masterly extracted using delicate surgical tools to ensure that the egg shell was not scared, cracked or in any way damaged. 









  A comparison photograph was taken with the egg along with a chicken egg to verify the significant size of this mammoth collector’s item.


 





The content was then measured, weighed and photographed for posterity purposes.













 The contents of the egg was then cooked by a master chef and feed to 8 worldly acclaimed egg coinsures who each acclaimed and testified of its superb flavor and texture.








The shell of this prized possession is currently on temporary display at our flat for the immediate close acquaintances of the owner to enviously view by appointment.










Some Fun Facts About Ostriches:
 
1.      An Ostrich is distinctive in its appearance, with a long neck and legs, and can run at up to about 70 km/h (43 mph), the fastest land speed of any bird. The ostrich is also the largest living species of bird and lays the largest eggs of any living bird.
 

                                                                 

·         Although an ostrich egg is the largest of all eggs, it is the smallest egg in relation to the size of the bird. The Ostrich egg will weigh 1600 - 2300 gm (about 3.5 to 5 pounds) and is equivalent in volume to 2 dozen chicken eggs.
·         An Ostrich Hen can lay 40 - 100 eggs per year, averaging about 60 eggs per year.
·         Ostrich eggs hatch in 42 days.
·         An Ostrich chick grows one foot taller each month until it is 7-8 months old.
·         Generally, Females sit on eggs by day; males sit on eggs by night.
           
·         The ostrich is a unique looking animal. It has long skinny legs, a big body with small wings, a long neck, and a dangerous long beak.
·         The ostrich usually weighs between 200 and 300 pounds and can grow to 9 feet tall.
·         Its large body is covered with feathers. The males have black feathers with some white on the underside and tale. The females are usually grey in color. 


                          Female on left, Male on right

·         A male Ostrich is called a rooster or a cock and a female Ostrich is called a hen.
·         An ostrich's eyes can be nearly 2 inches in diameter giving them the largest eyes of any land animal.
·          The ostrich is the largest bird in the world. Even though it has wings, it can't fly, but it makes up for the lack of flight by running very fast.
·         The ostrich is found in nature in Africa, but it is farmed all over the world for its meat.
·         Not only can ostriches kick hard, they are armed with 4 inch long claws on their feet.
·         The stride of an ostrich at full pace can reach 16 feet.
·         Ostriches sometimes eat stones and pebbles which help them to digest their food.
·         In some places, there are ostrich races where people ride on the backs of the giant birds. They even have special saddles and reins for them.
·         The ostrich only has two toes, while all other birds have three or four.
·         Adult males are eight to nine feet in height and weigh 350-400 pounds.  Females will weigh up to 300-350 pounds.
·         An Ostrich will live to be 50 - 75 years old.

2 comments:

  1. Golly gee, Lee, I can get you all the ostrich eggs you want from an ostrich farm right here in the heart if Utah...

    ReplyDelete
  2. We enjoyed the info and the great photos. Thanks so much for staying in touch!
    With our love and gratefulness for your service!
    Ted and Eileen

    ReplyDelete