Ostrich eggs are truly iconic—enormous, glossy, and undeniably beautiful. They spark a natural curiosity: what’s it like to own one, cook with one, or even create art from one?
While American Ostrich Farms doesn’t sell edible ostrich eggs, we proudly offer sterilized, empty shells—ideal for art, décor, and collection pieces. But our real mission goes far beyond novelty. Every part of the ostrich has remarkable potential, and our focus remains on the most practical and rewarding ways to experience this extraordinary bird every day: through premium red meat, nourishing skincare, and wholesome pet treats.
Keep reading to learn more about what you can do with and where to buy ostrich eggs.
ALL ABOUT OSTRICH EGGS
Native to Africa, ostriches are the largest living birds on Earth. They belong to a group of flightless birds called ratites, which also includes rheas, emus, and kiwis. These impressive animals have adapted to thrive in hot, arid climates—and it’s no surprise that they lay the largest eggs in the world: striking, durable, and endlessly inspiring.
Each ostrich egg is a natural work of art. The eggshell’s glossy finish and subtle texture make it perfect for carving, etching, painting, or sculpting. Artists and collectors alike prize them for their durability and organic beauty. Over time, ostrich eggs have found their way into homes and galleries as statement décor, lighting fixtures, and even family heirlooms.
A single ostrich hen can lay one or two eggs per week during her breeding season, which typically runs from April through September. Remarkably, she can continue to produce eggs for up to 30 years—a testament to the longevity and resilience of these magnificent birds.
JUST HOW BIG ARE OSTRICH EGGS?
To hold one is to understand why ostrich eggs capture so much fascination. On average, they measure 6 inches long by 5 inches wide, weigh about 3 pounds, and contain the equivalent of two dozen chicken eggs. Inside, you’ll find almost 2 pounds of pure protein, with a nutritional profile richer in magnesium and iron than a typical chicken egg.
For centuries, this size and durability have made ostrich eggs both a culinary curiosity and a cultural treasure.
DO WE SELL EDIBLE OSTRICH EGGS?
We often receive inquiries from curious customers hoping to try an edible ostrich egg. The short answer is no—and for good reason.
Cooking one is an adventure in itself: the shell is so tough that it can require a drill or hammer to crack, and boiling an ostrich egg can take up to 90 minutes. Even if you manage to cook it, you’re left with enough food to feed a small party—and a massive cleanup afterward.
At American Ostrich Farms, our commitment is to quality, sustainability, and practicality. That’s why we focus on ostrich products that bring everyday value, rather than edible eggs that few people could actually use efficiently.
If you’re curious about the taste of ostrich, our steaks, ground meat, and filets offer the incredible nutritional benefits and unique flavor, without the hassle.
WHERE TO BUY OSTRICH EGGS
An edible ostrich egg isn’t a common grocery item because it’s not practical for most consumers. After all, few families can polish off a 24-egg omelet in one sitting!
That said, empty ostrich eggshells are widely available and much more versatile. At American Ostrich Farms, we sell clean, sterilized shells from infertile eggs, each meticulously prepared by draining the contents, bleaching the interior, and air-drying the shell for safe handling.
These eggshells make stunning art canvases, décor pieces, or educational specimens—a way to bring a bit of the natural world into your home.
CAN YOU EAT OSTRICH EGGS?
Yes, ostrich eggs are edible, and some people do eat them. Each egg contains roughly 2,000 calories, along with a nutrient-rich blend of minerals and protein. But practicality is another matter entirely.
According to the American Ostrich Association, an ostrich egg takes about 90 minutes to hard boil. Most people simply don’t have the cookware (or the crowd) for that kind of meal. And given how durable the shell is—it can withstand the weight of an adult standing on it—it’s no small feat to get inside one.
If you’re after nutrition and flavor, ostrich meat is a far better option. It’s one of the healthiest red meats in the world: low in fat and cholesterol, high in protein and iron, and incredibly tender. It cooks and tastes similar to beef, making it a simple one-to-one substitute in recipes—from burgers and stir-fries to steaks and roasts.
Better yet, ostrich farming has a significantly smaller environmental footprint than beef production. Ostriches require less water and land, emit fewer greenhouse gases, and produce virtually no methane—making them an ideal choice for eco-conscious meat lovers.
OSTRICH EGGSHELLS THROUGHOUT HISTORY
Ostrich eggshells aren’t just visually striking—they’re deeply woven into human history. Archaeologists have unearthed decorated ostrich shells dating back more than 100,000 years, revealing their use across cultures for art, trade, and ritual.
In ancient Africa and the Mediterranean, ostrich eggs were carved into containers to store water, pigments, or oils. Babylonian and Assyrian civilizations believed the shells had protective and medicinal properties, while the ancient Greeks used them as symbols of fertility, purity, and prosperity.
Ostrich eggs even held a spiritual role: decorated shells were placed in graves to symbolize rebirth and eternal life, a tradition seen across cultures from Egypt to Mesopotamia. Many churches in Eastern Europe and North Africa still display ostrich eggs today—hung as sacred ornaments representing new life.
MODERN DAY USES FOR OSTRICH EGGS
Today, ostrich eggs remain a source of inspiration for artists and designers around the world. In North Africa, they adorn rooftops and chandeliers. In artisan studios, they’re transformed into hand-carved jewelry, lamps, and sculptures. Modern craftspeople prize them for their combination of strength, luster, and versatility.
Beyond aesthetics, ostrich eggs are also finding relevance in scientific research. At Kyoto Prefecture University in Japan, scientists like Dr. Yasuhiro Tsukamoto are studying how unfertilized ostrich eggs may help develop antibodies for human medicine, exploring potential treatments for viruses like dengue. While still in early stages, these studies show just how many possibilities lie within this ancient species.
FROM ART TO HOME DECOR: HOW TO USE OSTRICH EGGSHELLS
If you’re looking for a unique, sustainable art material, ostrich eggshells are an excellent choice. Here are a few creative ways our customers use them:
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Home Décor: Display a single egg as a centerpiece or group several in a decorative bowl for natural elegance.
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Lighting: Drill small holes to create intricate lanterns or lampshades that cast stunning patterns of light.
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Art Projects: Paint, dye, or etch them for a one-of-a-kind artistic display.
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Jewelry & Crafts: Cut thin discs to create pendants, earrings, or ornaments.
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Educational Displays: Perfect for classrooms, nature centers, or farm exhibits to showcase biodiversity and sustainability.
Each shell we sell is a one-of-a-kind natural canvas, ready for your creativity.
FROM OUR FARM TO YOU
At American Ostrich Farms, we take pride in doing things differently. As a vertically integrated ranch and USDA-inspected processor, we manage every step of the process—from hatch to harvest. That means traceable sourcing and uncompromising quality in every product we make.
Whether you’re here out of curiosity about ostrich eggs or ready to explore the full benefits of this remarkable bird, we’re honored to be your trusted source for sustainable, all-American ostrich products.
