Visiting Ostrichland USA Ostrich Farm Solvang, California
See ostriches up close at Ostrichland. Solvang offers many adventures.
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What is Ostrichland USA?
Ostrichland is a 33-acre breeding farm along Highway 246 in Solvang, California that’s home to more than 100 ostriches and emus. The birds on this ostrich farm have been raised to be hand fed and visitors are welcome to take part in feeding during their visit. Guests can get up close and personal with these incredible birds. There’s even a small gift shop that sells farm fresh ostrich eggs, ostrich-themed gifts, and ostrich egg shell paintings.
Admission is $7 and a big bowl of ostrich food costs an extra dollar. Guests can take a big bowl bolted down to a dustpan and raise the ostrich feed up to eager ostriches and emus. These big birds are eager to greet guests and chow down.
Ostriches are eager to eat.
Where is Ostrichland USA?
Located near the quaint Danish town of Solvang, California, on the Central Coast, 2 hours north of Los Angeles in the Buellton, California area is a unique collection of over 100 ostriches and emus which have been affectionately termed “Buellton’s favorite pets.”
Ostrich land USA makes a great stop if you’re planning a trip to Solvang or driving up the Central Coast to the Chumash Casino, Santa Ynez Valley wineries, Big Sur, the San Francisco area, or beyond. It’s also a short drive north from Santa Barbara County so it makes a fun little road trip if you’d like a break from all that wine tasting. You may even recall it being featured in the film “Sideways.”
It doesn’t take much time to pull off the highway, grab a quick pan of feed and brighten your day.
Feeding Ostriches some Ostrich Feed
Ostrich land USA History
Ostrich land USA was originally opened in the early 1990s by a South African Couple. The farm ended up being purchased in 2000 by the current owner, Trudy Brown. Brown employs a staff of six who help care for her more than 100 ostriches and emus.
Brown actually has a background not in farming, but in retail, which helped in creating a vibrant gift shop stocked with ostrich-themed lamps, hats, artwork, and all things ostrich, including many custom items and unique gifts.
A quizzical ostrich at Ostrichland USA ostrich farm California
Cool, Cool… But Are The Ostriches Being Raised for Meat?
I’m pleased to say the thing that makes Ostrichland ostrich farm different from most ostrich farms throughout the country is that these ostriches are not being raised for their meat. These lucky American ostrich are solely used for egg production. Fresh ostrich and emu eggs are on the menu and can also be purchased at the gift shop.
Fun fact, one ostrich egg is equal to 18 to 24 chicken eggs. So if you’re throwing a big brunch party, stop by this Buellton ostrich farm and whip up a really impressive quiche.
Ostrich eggs at Ostrichland USA ostrich farm near Solvang, CA
What’s the Difference Between an Ostrich and an Emu?
Ostriches and emus actually look strikingly similar. And while they are technically classified as two different animal families, the biggest difference is Ostriches come from Africa and Emus come from Australia.
You might be wondering, well, then why not call the place Emu Land? I can only assume it’s because the first farmers were from South Africa which, is home to the ostrich, so they get top billing.
Ostrich feeding in Solvang. This bird towers over me at nearly 9 feet tall.
Ostrichland USA Faqs
Where is this Ostrichland located?
610 E Hwy 246 Solvang, CA 93463
How much are Ostrichland tickets?
Admission to the park is a total bargain. You don’t need a guide or any fancy training. Just stop by and feed the birds. One word of warning, on busier days feeding may be restricted to avoid each of the ostrich eating too much.
General admission: $7
Military: $5
12 and under: $3
Ostrich food: $1
It’s free to park.
Can you purchase gift cards?
Yes!
Can you ride an ostrich at Ostrichland?
No.
Where can I ride an ostrich?
While in some parts of the world ostrich riding is still a thing, It’s very painful for the bird, it’s dangerous, and it should never be attempted. Basically, we’ve been lied to by cartoons.
How much is an ostrich egg?
The average ostrich egg is around $30. But remember, that’s equal to about 2 dozen chicken eggs. It’s also packed with magnesium and iron and offers about 2,000 calories. The eggshells are also incredibly strong (opening one requires a hammer) and can be used for arts and crafts.
When is Ostrichland open?
Ostrichland is open daily year-round. Their hours are 9 am to 6 pm.
Is Ostrichland USA Wheelchair accessible?
Yes!
Ostrich feeding in Solvang. An ostrich eating from a pan.
Final Words About Visiting Ostrichland USA Ostrich Farm, Solvang California
Bottom line, this place is awesome. You need only read the many Yelp reviews or check out their Instagram to see nearly everyone says what a cool experience it is to get up close with these majestic birds.
Visiting Ostrichland USA Ostrich Farm Solvang, California also really helps break up the often monotonous drive through California. Plus, how many people can say they’ve looked an ostrich eye to eye?
For more info, check out the Ostrichland USA website.
