author(s)
Dr. C Inbaraj, Dr. V Arul and V Brindha

abstract
This article is about the breeding behavioral pattern and natural incubation of ostrich (Struthio camelus) which were reared in the captive condition. Male and female attains maturity at 30 months and 24 months respectively. Walking, feeding and running are the most common behaviour in both sexes. Breeding season begins from August to March in Southern Hemisphere. During this season kantling (male), soliciting (female) and agonistic (male and female) displays are the predominant reproductive characters of ostriches reared in captive conditions. Not much appreciable difference has been found among the genders related to this behaviour. Male cock shows territorial aggressiveness towards hen resulting in mating which may lead to fertile egg production. Cock dug a nest bowl of about 15 -20 cm deep and 1-2 m in diameter where the hens lay their eggs. Mature females can lay 60-70 eggs per year in different clutches. Interval between each clutch will be around 35-40 days. In each clutch it lays around 14-15 eggs. After fourteen days from laying of its first eggs, both genders of ostrich incubate egg for a period of 42 days. Change of shift between female and male is noticed during day and night respectively. The present study reveals that the study of breeding behaviour and natural incubation helps to manage and produce more.