‘Eggs-perimental’ new venture going down a storm as Valentia Island’s first ostriches emerge from their massive eggs
The creators of The Bee Beds Experience and The Revive Experience in Valentia Island, have just successfully incubated their very first ostrich chicks
With no fancy equipment, the two friends successfully hatched ostrich chicks by building their own homemade incubator and, between them, they turned the eggs by hand ten times a day for 40 days.
“By day 46, there was still no sign of hatching, so we decided to help. Ostrich shells are incredibly strong, so out came the hammer – carefully tapping into the air sac to give the chicks a start. Some found their own way out after that, while others needed a little more help,” explained Paul.
“We honestly didn’t know how it would turn out – it was all a bit “eggs-perimental” – but to our delight, we had a surprisingly good success rate. Now, at just a week old, the chicks have moved into a bigger incubator, where we’re gently lowering the temperature to help them adjust to our beautiful Irish climate.”
The ostriches are extremely cute and are attracting a lot of attention but they are set to grow very quickly. Ostriches grow at about a foot a month, with females reaching over 6 feet and males sometimes an incredible 9 feet tall.
Both Paul and Anton are currently developing plans to create Kerry’s very first ostrich farm in Glenbeigh – a place where people can learn about these magnificent creatures, feed them, and enjoy a fun, interactive experience for all ages.
Anton Tovarnitskyi with the baby Ostrich born in Valentia.
Paul O’Neill lives on Valentia Island with his family, where he runs Island Organix, growing micro-plants and vegetables and selling honey products from his hives.
Anton Tovarnitskyi is Ukrainian refugee who fled the war and found himself on the remote Kerry island.
The two became friends and business partners when they set up Ireland’s first Bee Beds and now they are hoping to develop another unique experience with their ostrich farm.
The Ostrich egg was turned by hand 10 times a day for 40 days in order to hatch Kerry’s newest resident.
They hope their latest business ideas will bring more visitors to South Kerry just like their Bee Beds project which has allowed visitors and locals relax while listening to bees.
“We plan to use their eggs, breed them, and give visitors a chance to meet the largest birds in the world up close,” continued Paul.
“From bees to ostriches, life has taken us on some unexpected adventures – but the goal is always the same: to bring joy, connection, and a touch of wonder to everyone who visits.”