Does Ostrich Eat Stones?

Ostriches are part of a classification called gastroliths, which literally translates to “stomach stones.” Ostriches, like many other birds, do not have teeth, so digestion is difficult. They swallow pebbles, rocks, and other “scratch” or “grit” and they hold them in a muscular part of their stomach called a gizzard.

Why do ostriches eat stones?

An adult ostrich carries about 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) of stones in its gizzard (second stomach). Yes, stones! Since ostriches do not have teeth, they eat stones which help to grind their food when it reaches the gizzard. Ostriches can tolerate temperature differences of 104 F (40 C)!

Which bird can eat stones?

The gizzard is very thick and muscular in some species, such as ducks, gallinaceous birds (those related to chickens such as grouse, quail, and turkeys), emus, and doves. Most of these birds eat hard items such as seeds and nuts. Birds with thick gizzards frequently pick up grit—little stones, sand, and small shells.