Key Takeaways– Ostrichland USA is a 32‑acre bird farm in Solvang that lets visitors feed over 150 ostriches and emus.
- The farm began in the early 1990s, changed hands twice, and is now run by manager Blake Fowler.
- Feeding the birds costs $1 per bowl; admission is $7, and the experience can be physically demanding.
- Ostriches and emus have distinct temperaments, breeding cycles, and care requirements that shape daily operations.
- The property has appeared in several films and TV shows, boosting its popularity and prompting expansion plans.
Overview of Ostrichland USA
Nestled off Highway 246 between Buellton and Solvang, Ostrichland USA occupies 32 acres of the Santa Ynez Valley. More than 150 ostriches and emus roam the grounds, sharing space with visitors who can purchase a $1 bowl of feed and interact directly with the birds. Admission costs $7 per person, and the farm markets itself as a family‑friendly attraction that blends wildlife observation with hands‑on feeding opportunities. The experience is unique because the birds are both curious and surprisingly assertive, often pulling at the feed containers with enough force to challenge a casual grip.
Founding and Evolution
The farm’s origins trace back to the early 1990s when Colin Cooper, fresh from bird work in Africa, settled in Santa Barbara County and launched Ostrichland USA. Initially focused on breeding ostriches for eggs, feathers, and meat, the operation later incorporated emus, a species native to Australia. In 2003, Trudy Brown and her then‑husband Adair purchased the business; although neither had prior ostrich‑farming experience, they retained the existing staff, including the current general manager, Blake Fowler. Over the years, the Browns infused personal flair into the gift shop and gradually upgraded infrastructure as visitor numbers grew.
Current Management and Staff Expertise
Blake Fowler, now the farm’s primary manager, brings nearly two decades of hands‑on experience. He recounts numerous injuries—dislocated shoulders, close‑call chases, and bruised ribs—illustrating the physical demands of working with 9‑foot‑tall, 320‑pound birds. Fowler emphasizes that while ostriches and emus are low‑maintenance when provided with adequate space and resources, their sheer strength requires diligent oversight. He notes that staff must monitor daily feed intake, refill automatic water troughs, and keep a close eye on chick development during the first year of life.
Visitor Interaction and Feeding Dynamics
When a visitor offers a bowl of feed, a swarm of ostriches and emus lunges forward, stretching their long necks to snatch the food. This feeding ritual can become chaotic; birds may become territorial, bump into one another, and even kick when they feel threatened. Fowler warns that the activity demands a firm grip and a willingness to move quickly if a bird becomes overly aggressive. Each $1 bowl of feed not only provides nourishment but also serves as a controlled method for staff to gauge how much food the flock will require later in the day.
Ostrich and Emu Biology and Behavior
Ostriches, the world’s largest birds, can reach heights of nine feet and weigh up to 320 pounds, sprinting at speeds near 70 mph. Emus, though smaller—standing six feet tall and weighing about 130 pounds—share the same flightless, energetic disposition. Both species are natural runners, requiring expansive pens that allow them to roam freely, which, according to Fowler, contributes to their well‑being. Their diets consist primarily of grain and vegetation, supplemented by the occasional treat offered by visitors, but their strong instincts mean they can become defensive if they perceive a threat to their feeding space.
Pens, Infrastructure, and Daily Care
The farm employs large, open‑air enclosures designed to accommodate the birds’ need to run. Automatic troughs regulate water supply, refilling tanks as needed, while feed stations are managed to prevent over‑crowding. Over the years, Fowler and his aunt have reinforced fencing to withstand the birds’ habit of “breaking” and “beating down” enclosures. Periodic upgrades to the parking lot and walking paths aim to improve visitor flow and safety, especially during peak holiday seasons when demand spikes dramatically.
Egg Production, Incubation, and Chick Rearing
Ostriches lay eggs during the spring and summer months, producing 40 to 100 eggs per year with a roughly 40‑day incubation period. Emus lay in the winter, yielding 40 to 50 eggs annually with a 50‑day hatch time. Ostrichland USA incubates these eggs in climate‑controlled environments, carefully monitoring temperature and humidity. Newly hatched chicks receive intensive care during their first year, as adult birds can become territorial and potentially injure the young. While ostrich eggs have a higher mortality rate among chicks, emu eggs are generally more viable, allowing the farm to maintain a steady supply of viable offspring.
Retail Offerings and Seasonal Products
The gift shop doubles as a revenue stream, selling freshly laid ostrich eggs—available seasonally—alongside decorative items such as drilled eggshell art, painted eggs, and feather‑adorned hats. Apparel featuring ostrich and emu motifs, stuffed animal toys, and locally crafted souvenirs round out the retail experience. These products not only capitalize on the farm’s unique wildlife theme but also provide visitors with tangible memorabilia to remember their encounter with the towering birds.
Cultural Impact and Media Appearances
Ostrichland USA’s scenery and charismatic birds have attracted attention from the entertainment industry, landing spots in movies like Sideways and Paddleton as well as various reality‑TV features. Fowler notes that the farm has appeared in three to four productions, each boosting its profile and drawing larger crowds. This heightened visibility has translated into increased ticket sales and a pressing need for additional space, prompting ongoing discussions about parking expansion and upgraded fencing to protect both visitors and birds.
Future Expansion and Sustainability Goals
Looking ahead, Fowler envisions larger parking facilities, more organized walking trails, and reinforced enclosures to accommodate a growing flock. He stresses a commitment to preserving the farm’s core mission: “continue what we’re doing and keep having more birds.” This includes exploring sustainable practices such as renewable energy use for water pumps and expanding educational programs that highlight the ecological roles of ostriches and emus. The ultimate aim is to balance growth with the welfare of the animals and the safety of the visitor experience.
Visitor Information and Practical Tips
Ostrichland USA is located at 610 East Highway 246, Solvang, and recommends purchasing tickets online to secure entry during high‑traffic periods. Admission is $7 per person, with an optional $1 feed bowl available at the gate. The farm advises guests to bring a sturdy grip for feeding, wear comfortable footwear for walking across the varied terrain, and arrive early to fully enjoy the bird‑watching and feeding sessions before peak crowds develop. Closing Reflection
Ostrichland USA offers a rare blend of wildlife encounter, interactive feeding, and cultural relevance that few attractions on California’s Central Coast can match. Through the dedication of manager Blake Fowler and the stewardship of the Brown family, the farm has transformed from a modest breeding venture into a beloved regional landmark. Whether visitors leave with a handful of feathers, a story of a startled ostrich chase, or an appreciation for the impressive biology of these ancient birds, the experience underscores the delicate interplay between human curiosity and the wild spirit of ostriches and emus.