Drive very slowly or stop and take pictures. Please stay in your car and do not disturb the birds. If you stop your car, these curious birds will come to you. This 80 acre ostrich farm is probably (was) the largest in the nation. The ostrich is in the Ratite family and thrives in this desert that is so like its natural habitat. Eggs are taken from breeding pairs on the farm and hatched in the incubator building. Chicks are raised in special pens until they are large enough to be placed in larger pasture pens with other young adults. The shade structures you see are equipped with water misters to cool the birds. Adult ostriches are sold as breeding pairs or harvested. Breeding pairs have been sold for as much as $150,000. If harvested, nothing goes to waste. The meat is low in fat and cholesterol and used for human consumption. The skin is used to make ostrich leather gloves, belts, purses, boots and shoes. The feathers are used for ornaments.

      From northbound Harvard Rd. Turn right (East) onto Valley Center Rd. Mile: 25.4 [34-52.80N] [116-38.67W]

      From eastbound Valley Center Rd. Turn right (South) onto Fort Cady Rd. Mile: 27.4 [34-52.80N] [116-36.61W]

      Proceed about 100 yards south on Ft. Cady Rd. then make a "U" turn and stop facing north.