With a very swift turn of events, one day, we came across an ostrich nest full of eggs, and the very next, at least 13 chicks had hatched. We were incredibly lucky to witness a few of these wobbly little chicks just hours after they emerged from their shells, stumbling around the nest under the watchful eye of the male ostrich.
Determined to catch a chick hatching, we spent the entire afternoon observing the nest, and as the light faded, the female ostrich returned, and together with the male, they tended to their new brood.
A few days later, we returned to find the nest still bustling with activity, and to our delight, one more chick had just hatched. We’re hopeful this ostrich family will stick around for some incredible sightings in the days to come!
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ThAaatt waass fascinating. Thank you
Thank you so much, Cyndy.
So cute! I’m guessing this is the same area that the solo female occupied for several years – presumably these open grassplains are a good habitat for them? Do you see many others now in this area?
Yes, it is a similar area. The ostriches prefer the open grasslands of the southwest. We do see a fair few more ostriches now.
Hi Sean, I sometimes ask to myself about the ostrich chicks. I remember the story of the lonely female ostrich… it was so moving. Now this video is a fantastic experience, so lovely to see how the parents alternate to take care of them, and how the eggs hatch and the little things come out… they immediately follow their parents, have little strong legs… precociality is the evolutionary strategy for most birds, they are able to run along with the others. They are wonderful birds with charming eyes, and the chicks are too cute! Thank you for this close look at the secret of newborn ostrich chicks! Hopefully they will survive
It was such a special experience being there to document this. Ostriches are amazing and seeing the tiny little chicks, only a matter of hours old was amazing.
Wonderful video Sean, thanks for sharing.
You are most welcome, William. I am glad you enjoyed it.
What an epic and special discover that was Sean. The chicks are so adorable and vulnerable so hopefully their parents can move them around to keep them safe. Looking forward to seeing what I may discover next weekend!! See you soon……
It was such an epic discovery. I hope that they are around during your next visit.
Thanks for bringing a smile to our faces during Sunday breakfast with your video! I remember Ester wishing to see an ostrich during our last visit. Sadly, luck was not on our side at that time. So for her it was a particularly joyful moment watching this beautiful new family on Londolozi land.
I am so glad that I could bring you all a smile and a bit of joy with this video. Seeing these tiny chicks was certainly a highlight for me.
Hi Sean, these little ostriche chick’s are super cute, and fluffy. So good to see so many have hatched and let’s hope they make it to adulthood. The father seems to be super proud of his chick’s.
They are super cute. I hope that some of them survive.
Cuteness overload! A very welcome pick-me-up after the sad news of the loss of the female from the Pack of Three. I loved how close the shots, where. I felt like I could bury my head under his feathers. I’ll be cheering on this new little family and hoping that at least one of the chicks makes it. Does the female typically lay all the eggs in one sitting, or over the course of days? I’m wondering if that would account for the hatching delay.
Indeed a nice little bit of positive news after the sad loss of the female wild dog. I think it must be rather cosy and soft under those feathers. The Major female normally lays about 8-14 eggs at 2-3 day intervals. The Minor females will also lay eggs in the nest, normally on days that the major doesn’t lay. The major female will then begin incubation around about 16 days after laying her first egg.
This is such lovely video, Sean! Thanks. These tiny ostriches are so mega sweet. Fantastic that we can also enjoy this sighting thanks to your videos.
They are super cute. I am so glad that I get to share everything that I see with you all online.
Really cool Sean!!
Thanks so much, Paul. It was awesome to see such young little ostrich chicks.