The prices now being sought in the marketplace for chicks are no longer proportionally related to the value obtained at that age.  It is much more advantageous for a purchaser to simply purchase adult ostriches, rather than chicks with the ensuing issues that come with purchasing small, young ostriches.  Moreover, the purchaser is simply two to three years closer to having production ostriches of their own and the ability to have ostriches for sale or processing.  Finally, with the high commodity prices, the costs of feeding small chicks for several years to reach production age is substantial.  However, we recognize that some purchasers would simply prefer chicks.  Please inquire if you seek chicks or hatching eggs.  Prices will reflect current market conditions for this age of ostriches and hatching eggs.  Hatching eggs will generally only be sold in late summer after we have ensured that we have produced enough chicks to satisfy our meat customers.