In the picturesque Mueang district of Trang, an unexpected transformation has occurred that might just ruffle a few feathers. Meet Prachuap Singkerk, a retired nurse who has swapped her medical scrubs for a more unique ensemble — a venturesome feathered gig featuring some of the tallest, quirkiest, yet highly profitable birds you’ll ever lay your eyes on: ostriches!
On her two-rai plot next door, Prachuap has cultivated a haven of towering ostriches — nine to be exact, with a meticulously balanced gender ratio of four lads and five lovely ladies. With her nurturing care, these curious creatures begin their reproductive journey at the tender age of 18 months, kicking off an impressive egg-laying spree of 15 eggs a month, which keeps tallying up to a hefty 100-egg annual output.
If you’re thinking this is just a casual hobby, you’d better think again. Prachuap’s graceful giants are anything but grounded in their income potential. Those not-so-plain eggs are worth a pretty penny: 200 baht for the non-fertile kind and 300 baht for their more promising fertile counterparts. Once incubated over 42 days, those promising little orbs crack open into chicks, which, after a 2-month nurturing period, fetch a handsome 6,000 baht each. Just last year, Prachuap sold 23 of these little ostrich wonders, amassing over 130,000 baht. Not too shabby, right?
With retirement comes time, and with time, ambition. Prachuap plans to outdo herself by incubating more chicks this year, driven by the clamor of demand sprinkled across various provinces. The allure? Her competitive pricing coupled with the birds’ robust strength and dare I say, their impeccable immune systems!
The egg-stravaganza peaks from December through May, showcasing a thrilling forecast of 50 to 60 potential chicks this year. While not all eggs hatch, the non-hatchers serve a different destiny as culinary delights. Crack one open and you’ll find a hearty, firm-textured treasure trove of protein weighing over a kilogram, perfect for whipping up multiple delicacies. And let’s not forget the eggshells, aesthetically pleasing enough to sell at 80 baht or a discounted 50 baht for budding artists.
In just three months, Prachuap has managed to crack open a new revenue stream (pun intended), pulling in over 100,000 baht from the trifecta of eggs, shells, and chicks, drawing in curious resort owners, restaurateurs, zoo officials, and even those tourist site reps. It’s a feathered frenzy and it’s no surprise given how surprisingly easy these majestic birds are to care for. With a longer lifespan than you’d expect — think senior citizen status at 50 to 60 years — their dietary needs are delightfully simple, comprising Napier grass, chicken feed, or just as happily, a feast of banana stalks and pesticide-free veggies.
For the moment, ostrich meat isn’t on the menu as Prachuap focuses her efforts on meeting chick demands. Feel like diving into the ostrich world or perhaps want to hatch an idea of your own? You can drop Prachuap a line at 086-9499750 for more ostrich intel.
Reflecting on the previous year, despite a few chick casualties, Prachuap eagerly anticipates surpassing past records, buoyed by her expanding know-how and enterprise. Chicks find homes mostly in exhibitions, cherished for their eccentric rarity and eye-catching allure. Some end up as exotic offerings gracing the shores of Phuket’s culinary scene. She’s even secured pre-orders fluttering into the next year, with a staggering impression of over 100,000 baht already echoing from last year’s nest egg — quite literally!
While the ostrich laying season is as unpredictably spotty as the dry season from December to May, the goods delivered are nothing short of fascinating. Who knew retiring to a life in feathers could lead to such a feathered fortune?
Wow, who would have thought ostrich farming could be such a lucrative business? Good for Prachuap!
But is it really ethical to farm ostriches just for profit? We should be considering animal rights here.
I get that, but if the animals are treated well and it’s a way to support herself after retirement, is it really so bad?
Joe makes a fair point. Plus, the article mentions the birds are easy to care for and have simple needs, so it seems ethical if done right.
I’m impressed by her ingenuity but skeptical about the actual demand for ostriches. Is this really sustainable long-term?
With niche markets like zoos and exotic restaurants, I think she has a solid customer base. Plus, the eggs alone offer multiple income streams.
You might be surprised, Steve_O. People pay for uniqueness, and ostriches are definitely that!
I love that she’s repurposing eggshells for art! It’s a great way to reduce waste.
Agreed! I bet the shells make for amazing, unique pieces.
Could the demand for chicks be partly for meat, even if she doesn’t sell it? Ostrich meat is a delicacy in some places.
That’s a real concern. The focus should be on conservation, not consumption.
I get where you’re coming from, VeganVoice. But is it fair to judge her business when many people eat chicken or beef daily?
A valid point. It’s a complex issue of ethics and livelihood.
This venture seems like a stroke of genius! Retirement can often feel aimless, and Prachuap has found a passion that pays.
Agreed, Julia! Truly shows how retirement can be a time to explore new opportunities.
How sustainable is this venture both economically and environmentally?
Economically, if the demand persists, it could last a while. Environmentally, the mild diet of ostriches is probably better than most livestock farming.
Even a small operation can disrupt ecosystems if not managed properly. Important to keep an eye on that.
Prachuap’s business seems like a creative solution to financial security in retirement. I hope others get inspired by her example.
I still doubt this is a profitable venture in the long term. The novelty might wear off.
Perhaps, but cyclical interest in exotic animals could sustain her business, even if the peak fluctuates.
Those eggs are HUGE! I wonder what kind of dishes a chef could create with them?
Anything producing over multiple revenue streams is worth considering. Might even give it a shot myself!
Isn’t it fascinating how some ventures we never imagine can become successful? Like, who would guess ostrich farming?
Farming ostriches may be novel, but what about other wildlife? The focus should be on preserving natural habitats, not making pets or profit.
I dig the empowerment here! Retirement should be a second chance at success, not slowing down.
Hats off to Prachuap! Not just anyone could manage a herd of ostriches and turn it into such a success story.
I wonder if something like this could work in other regions or if it’s unique to Trang due to specific factors.
Region definitely matters! Climate, demand, and resources play huge roles in such unique farming.
Reminds me of the saying that necessity is the mother of invention. Her need in retirement created this amazing business.
Could it be that we need more such innovative farms using unusual animals? It’s clearly working well for her!