These Topics Will Help You To Know About Rhea Bird

Rhea Basic Information:

Rheas are similar in appearance to the ostrich and are often called 'South American Ostrich.' However, unlike the ostrich, the Rhea has three toes on each foot instead of two. The Rhea stands about five feet tall and weighs about 50 pounds. Both sexes are primarily gray, with a blackhead, chin, and neck. The feet are brownish. The Rhea Bird has larger wings then the ostrich.

Rhea Health Information:

Rheas Bird is susceptible to leg problems and impaction. Chicks should be kept in brooders made of 1" chicken wire with 2' x 4' frames. The brooder should be kept at around 90 degrees. Young chicks need to be encouraged and taught to eat. Also, make sure the chicks are closed up at night to protect them. You should also be careful, when making their housing, not to have any small items, such as bolts and screws, as they will try to ingest them, The pens should be cleaned daily to ensure against disease.

Older animals require grit to help them digest their food and prevent impaction. A combination of oyster shells, for calcium and crushed granite, is a good source of grit. Water should be available at all times. Rheas Bird needs plenty of room to exercise.

Rhea History:

Most comfortable on the low-lying plains found in the Campo region of South America, the Rhea ranges from northern and eastern Brazil to central Argentina. They can also be found in Uruguay and Paraguay... 

Rhea Behavior:

The Rhea is a moderately sized ratite that originates in South America. The chicks are often raised on farms because, like the ostrich, Rheas Bird is useful to humans for meat, hide, and feathers.

Rheas are social birds, congregating in flocks of up to thirty individuals. The flocks make their homes in brush-covered areas near water, as Rheas enjoy swimming. During the mating season, the male builds a nest by forming a shallow hole in the ground and filling it with dry grass. He then leads several females to the nest, where they each lay an egg in turn. This process may be completed several times and one nest can have as many as thirty eggs. The females then leave and the male incubates and cares for the chicks himself. Like other ratites, Rheas can run quite quickly but cannot fly.

Rhea more Information:

Alternative Name: Greater Rhea 

Rhea Scientific Name: Rhea Americana

Rhea Common Food: In their native habitat, the Rhea is omnivorous, feeding on grass, insects, and roots

Rhea Origin: South America

Rhea Habitat: Low-lying plains found in the Campo region of South America