Ostriches, Emus, and Rheas

1. What does the term "ratites" refer to?

Small songbirds that live in trees Large, flightless birds like ostriches, emus, and rheas Only chickens and turkeys Any bird that can swim

2. Where did each of these birds originally come from?

Ostrich - Australia, Emu - Africa, Rhea - North America Ostrich - Africa, Emu - Australia, Rhea - South America All three started in Montana Ostrich - Europe, Emu - Asia, Rhea - Antarctica

3. Which ratite is usually the tallest and heaviest?

Rhea Emu Ostrich Kiwi

4. How is the ratite industry in Montana best described today?

A huge, mainstream industry with millions of birds A small, niche industry with a limited number of farms and hobby operations Completely gone, with zero ratites left An industry run only by zoos

5. What kinds of products can come from ratites like ostriches, emus, and rheas?

Only feathers Meat, leather, feathers, oil, and decorative eggshells Only eggs for eating Only pet food

6. Why is ostrich meat sometimes called a "healthy alternative" to beef?

It is a white meat like chicken It is similar in color and flavor to beef but usually has less fat It contains no protein It cannot be cooked

7. What is emu oil most commonly used for?

Fuel for cars Cosmetics and skin-care products, often marketed for moisturizing and soothing skin Making plastic toys Cleaning windows

8. Which statement about ratite egg production is most accurate?

Ostriches, emus, and rheas all lay thousands of eggs every year On farms, ostriches may lay dozens of eggs per season, and emus and rheas usually lay several dozen eggs per season Only ostriches lay eggs; emus and rheas do not Ratites lay only one egg in their lifetime

9. What kind of diet do ratites usually have on farms?

Mostly candy and soda A mix of pasture or hay plus grain and protein supplements Only fish Only tree leaves

10. Why do farmers need to be especially careful around adult male ratites?

Because they can easily fly away Because older males can become aggressive and must be handled safely Because they are too shy to eat Because they forget how to run

Agriculture & Business

Montana Ratites: Ostriches, Emus, and Rheas