In this paper we present a few behavioral features regarding the digestive, social, pairingbehaviour of ostrich in captivity and similarities and differences with the natural behavior. Theresearches have been done at ostrich farm of Tinca, Bihor county. The nutrition of ostrich was a majorproblem for the farmers because currently there are only a few studies on the optimal diet. They feeds ona wide range of plants and food should be chopped. The ostrich needs a significant amount of gravel andsand for food triturating. Changes in diet should be introduced gradually. Sudden changes in diet cancause digestive problems and even death, changing from one food to another is accomplished slowly,combining new diet with the existing. They are social animals, getting very quickly adapted to theenvironment conditions and became friendly to people. Their aggresive behavior is manifested bypinching, scratching, hitting with legs and wings, and most of the fighting takes place in the evening.Breeding season starts in early spring. During this period females make a prenuptial dance, bowing andshaking wings on both sides of the body. The male skin color on the legs, neck and beak becomes red, andthey emit loud callings. Intensity and manifestation of mating decreases as the female approaches the endof the egg laying season. Ostriches reach sexual maturity between 2 and 3 years. Females tend to maturefaster than males; Ostriches breed in monogamous or polygamous situations. Male builds the nest, thatconsists in a small hole in the ground. It can become very aggressive during the breeding season and willguard the female, nest and territory. In general, an egg is made every 1-2 days. Estimated productionvaries between 40 - 80 eggs per year.

digestive behavior, social behavior, pairing behaviour, ostriches

Presentation: oral