GREATER RHEAS

July 25, 2008

Our two Rheas were purchased on July 23 of 2008 from Clint Walker of Barclay, Md. They were hatched in an incubator and we took them home at only two weeks old.
Because they are too young to determine their sexes, they have not been named yet.

Rheas grow approximately one foot every month until they reach their full size at five months old.

Learn more about Rheas.

As with all of our young birds, our Rheas are kept under lights until they are several weeks old. The photos above were taken at the age of two weeks.

It is always fascinating to me to watch our birds grow and change so quickly. The Rheas appear to be growing every day. In five months they shall stand at eyes length with me. Now that should be interesting...

On August 15, 2008 we moved the Rheas cage to the outdoors. During the day they roam free within the Buffy zone, enjoying the sunlight, eating insects, fancydancing, and whistling. At dusk we return them to their crate and the warmth of their heat lamp.

At the age of six weeks, their feathers are fuller, and they have grown to approximately 18 inches from head to toe.

Because they are constantly in motion, it is difficult to take a still photo of them.

Aug 15, 2008

Fancydancing.

August 20, 2008

It amazes me how they can twist their necks like a pretzel.

Kimie and I have been monitoring their growth by comparing their height to the metal bars of Buffy's paddock. At this time they are up to the second rail from the bottom.

September 5, 2008

September 11, 2008

September 11, I noticed that Ludlow had a large lump in its esophagus. About an hour later it was gone. We're still wondering what he may have eaten.

November 6, 2008

UPDATE: The day before Thanksgiving Kimie and I went up to the barn and found that Isabelle had a huge tear in her throat. It was apparent that her trachea was open and visible, but she was able to breath with little difficulty. In fact, it was really hard to catch her up because she was frantic and running about. After about ten minutes we managed to corner her, and Kimie held her on her lap while I drove her to the vet.

Unfortunately, it was determined that a piece of her esophagus had been ripped out and was missing. The damage was irreparable-she would not be able to eat. Isabelle was euthanized on the operating table.

It was a heart breaking experience for all of us. She was a sweet companion.

The following day, through a haze of tears, Isabelle was buried in Crazy Horse Sanctuary.

Ludlow and Isabelle
September 19, 2008

Predators
	A few days after we found Isabelle injured, I discovered this Hawk feasting on one of our free range hens. Though we shall never know for sure, our vet believes that there is a good possibility that the Hawk could have attacked Isabelle, as well.

Shortly before Thanksgiving, our friend Danielle lost one of her Rheas to an unknown cause. She brought her lone Rhea to stay with Ludlow and Isabelle. I named him Ziggy. I am glad that he came to stay with us before Isabelle's passing. I believe it would have been much harder on Ludlow if he did not have Ziggy. They have now bonded well, and cuddle in their little house in the evening.

Ludlow and Ziggy
February 4, 2009

Ludlow and Ziggy
February 4, 2009
Ludlow can now stretch his neck to look over the top of the fence.

February 4, 2009

August 15, 2009
Ludlow and Isabelle.
In the photo above the Rheas were five-six weeks old. In the photo to the left, Ludlow, at seven months old, is nearing his full size. He is now able to pop his head over the top of the four foot fence.

March 2, 2009.
Ludlow and Ziggy

Ziggy, peeking out from their little house.