FAQ's

 

WHAT IS STRUISVOGEL?

Struisvogel is Dutch, meaning ostrich. Afrikaans being similar to Dutch, also can understand this as ostrich. We were first introduced to ostrich farming by the Afrikaans, and our family has Dutch roots, so we thought the name was fitting.

WHERE DO YOU RAISE YOUR OSTRICH?

We raise our ostrich in Prince Edward County, Ontario. We have gathered birds from across North America to start Struisvogel's breeding family. Quality genetics is a priority and tracking the success of our birds is very important to us. 

IS THE MEAT FROZEN OR FRESH?

Our meat is frozen. We all know frozen is better. Our ostrich steaks are individually vacuum packed, sealing that freshness in immediately. 

ARE YOUR OSTRICH GRASS FED?

Our ostriches do graze on grass and some alfalfa, but they are not fed exclusively by this. There is a perfectly formulated feed that provides all the nutrients that they need in the form of pellets. Our chicks, growers and breeders all have their own specific feeds that are made here in Ontario.

WHERE DO I BUY YOUR MEAT? DO YOU DELIVER?

Orders can be made online or in our store. Free local deliveries. Pick up is during store hours. We can also ship meat within Ontario. If meat is ordered before 3pm on a business day we can typically ship it to you next business day by noon! $40 flat rate shipping on meat so it's best you fill a box. Deliveries to the Toronto area can be arranged at a specific pick up location. If this interests you please contact us. 

DO YOU WHOLESALE?

If you are a restaurant, hotel, sports team, etc. looking to order ostrich meat at wholesale pricing and/or custom orders, you are best to connect with our wholesale partner 100km foods who will make all the arrangements and deliver to you. 

DO YOU DO TOURS ON YOUR RANCH?

Our store is designed with large viewing windows to view our chicks and incubators. When you pick up your meat order, or come browse our meat, we encourage you to  enjoy what you can see from our store. If you'd like to experience more you can take an ostrich walk for an additional fee. An ostrich walk is a self-guided tour where you can learn about our ranch and these incredible birds. You have the opportunity to feed the birds, stand on an egg, etc. The ostrich walk is available from April-October. Ostriches love visitors just as much as we do!

We also do class trips and business team building groups, etc. Check out our tour page for more information.

ARE YOUR TOURS PET FRIENDLY?

In order to keep our Ranch calm for the ostriches, pets are not allowed on our ostrich walk or any of our tours. Thank you for your understanding.

DO YOU SHIP ALL OVER CANADA?

Currently, we are pick-up at the farm, free local deliveries and shipping within Ontario only. We use a provincially licensed facility to process our Ostrich so we are limited at this point to selling just within Ontario.

 

WHAT DOES OSTRICH MEAT LOOK AND TASTE LIKE? HOW DO I COOK IT?

Ostrich is most comparable to a fillet mignon. It is more red than beef because of its high iron content. Steaks should be prepared with a high-heat, quick-cooking method. Ostrich meat is most tender when it is medium-rare. The meat is not marbled with fat, therefore it will not shrink while cooking. 

ARE THERE ANY OTHER OSTRICH RANCHES IN CANADA?

Not many. We are late to the game in comparison to Europe and other countries. But we are confident that the environmental and health benefits of eating ostrich will become more understood here in Canada. Ostrich farming is set to grow and we are thrilled to be a part of it!