Why you don't want ostriches on your block

Ostriches are inquisitive, fascinating birds. Some respond well to humans, but you don't want them as pets.

Despite the domestic ostrich being more docile than their wild counterparts, they're generally not suitable for close relationships with humans. An ostrich chick – hatched in an incubator – may imprint on a human. This improves their trust and obedience, and they'll follow their person for the first few months of life.

However, they can be very dangerous, especially during breeding season when males become aggressive. Imprinted birds may attempt courtship behaviour with humans.

While they might seem like an unusual, exotic centrepiece, they have unique social and physical needs. Chicks easily die from stress, and adults are at high risk of gastrointestinal obstructions due to stress.

Other issues are their lifespan – they live for 40-50 years – and the requirement to keep them behind strong, 1.8m-high fencing.