Willow Tree Ranch
Quality Ostriches and Emus for Breeding, Rendering,
                    Meat, and Oil Production 

What are ratite? Good question. They are flightless birds with names like kiwi, cassowary and rhea. In the wild they are found in South America, Africa and Australia. Domestic ratite farming is primarily concerned with the two largest members of the family, the emu and the ostrich.

The ostrich is the largest living bird. It may reach ten feet in height, weigh over three hundred and fifty pounds, and live over eighty years. It is capable of twelve foot strides, and can run at speeds in excess of forty miles per hour.

Though ratite framing is relatively new in America, ostrich products have been a mainstay in the economy of Little Karoo, South Africa for generations. They export the decorative feathers, and leather for boots, purses, wallets, coats, and briefcases that are sold around the world.

The emu is widespread over Australia’s outback. The second largest living bird, the adult emu stands about five feet high, and weighs around hundred and fifty pounds.

In the 1950s Emus were imported to the United States primarily as exotic stock for zoos. In the early 1960s the Australian government placed a ban on the exportation of emus, which is still in effect. The leather produced from these birds is used similarly to that of the ostrich. Emu oil is used as an cosmetic and medicinal base - its end products are also sold around the world.

Currently the ratite industry in America is in transition from a "breeders" market to a "slaughter" market. We at Willow Tree Ranch, and hundreds of other breeders across the country, are committed to developing an alternative livestock which will provide low-fat meat, EMU leather products, oil based compounds, and feathers to the American consumer.

The meat from the ostrich and emu is red, and taste similar to very good beef. But ratite meat has less fat and fewer calories than a similar portion of beef, and contains less cholesterol than beef, chicken or turkey!

The ostrich and emu hides provide high quality leather for boots, shoes, clothing and accessories. Ostriches and Emus have been bred at Willow Tree Ranch since 1987.

Each adult emu produces approximately five liters of highly penetrating hypoallergenic oil used as a base for cosmetic and medicinal products. These products are on the market now, and are distributed in the United States.

The feathers from both animals are used in clothing, and as home and industrial dusters.

If you are interested in becoming part of this growing alternative agriculture business, call or write to us. We offer:

  • Quality Birds
  • Assistance After The Sale
  • A Place To Sell The Offspring

 

Al and Wanda Jones
Willow Tree Ranch
580 248 2003
Route 1, Box 260 Lawton, OK 73501