Q.
How far can a Rhea see?
A.
A rhea can see for up to approximately 5 miles. We were
asked one time if we would donate rhea corneas for testing
but unfortunately we’ve never had the quantity of birds
to participate in the trials!
Q.
How many eggs does a hen lay?
A.
The
hens lay an egg every other day during the breeding period
which is May - September and lay 40 - 50 each. Each egg
weighs about 1 ½ pounds (approximately 650 grams)
This is the human equivalent to giving birth to a six
pound baby, every other day!
Q.
How did Snarky get his name?
A.
Snarky was the politest name I could give this bird. He’s
just mean and ornery, like some people I know. Most male
rheas can also tell the difference between a human male,
whom they’ll challenge and a human female, but this bird
is just nasty with everyone. Besides I figured if I called
him S.O.B. too many children would ask me what that stands
for.
Q.
How fast can a Rhea run?
A.
Although we’ve never clocked how fast one can
run, they do move very fast. Unlike an ostrich that runs
flat out at a speed up to 45mph, the rhea zigs and zags
and uses its large wings like rudders to make fast turns.
Have you ever heard the expression “can turn on a dime”
well that describes how fast a rhea can move.
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