How long do Rheas live?
Rheas commonly live 10-15 years in the wild-type managed setting, occasionally up to 30 years in captivity with expert care.
What do Rheas eat?
Feed a ratite or gamebird diet of formulated pellets, grass, hay, and grains, plus controlled protein; avoid avocado and chocolate, and limit high-iron items. They forage on vegetation and need grit. Fresh water must always be available; overfeeding protein harms growing chicks.
Rhea housing and daily life
They require large, securely fenced pasture (multiple acres for a small flock) with strong perimeter fencing at least 6 ft (1.8 m) high, shelter from weather, and predator protection. They are flock animals kept in groups; breeding males are territorial and aggressive. Never handle without experience and barriers.
Common mistakes with Rheas
Common errors are inadequate fencing (they escape or get hit by vehicles), keeping them as backyard 'pets' (dangerous and illegal in many areas), and improper chick diet causing leg and growth disorders. Confusing them with ostriches in care needs is also a mistake.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Keeping a rhea as a backyard pet, which is dangerous and often illegal.
- Inadequate high fencing, leading to escapes and vehicle strikes.
- Improper chick diet causing leg and growth deformities.
- Handling breeding males without experience, risking serious injury.