However, hard floors are difficult to clean, and as the birds age, pen floors become heavily soiled and virtually uncleanable. Top Ostrich Growing After about 1-2 months, ratites usually are grown in outside pens or pastures. At this age, they usually can tolerate normal weather conditions. However, extremes always are a concern. There is no consensus about optimum pen size or shape.
Some growers use long, narrow pens, while others are successful with square pens.
Sizes range from 20' x 20' to several acres. Pen construction varies as well. Ratites do not fly and usually do not try to jump over a fence that high. Fencing must be strong enough to withstand the birds' leaning or bumping into it. It is best to have the fence posts on the outside of the pen, as ratites typically walk the fence line, rubbing their bodies along the wire.