A farmer from Naryn turned 150,000 soms into a million by raising ostriches.

Марина Онегина • 16.03.2026, 12:52 • Economy / Exclusive

A farmer from Naryn turned 150,000 soms into a million by raising ostriches

In the Naryn region, sheep, goats, and cattle are traditionally raised. However, Bolotbek Tynaev, a resident of the village of March 8, decided to change the approach and engage in ostrich farming. Starting with one bird, he now has four ostriches on his homestead.

“My father was a shepherd for forty years, and I myself herded cattle for ten years. I had sheep and cows, but the profit was minimal. I realized I was wasting my time and decided to try poultry farming. I started with chickens and guinea fowl, selling eggs and chicks, which positively affected my income. This year, I received 150,000 soms from a social program and bought meat guinea fowl. In the fall, I sold them for 700,000 soms. I invested this money in sheep, which I fattened and sold for a million soms, and then bought ostriches for 80,000 soms each, which came from Uzbekistan with documents,” shares Bolotbek.

Ostriches have interesting characteristics. Each bird can yield up to 120 kg of meat, which resembles horse meat and is considered beneficial for people with high blood pressure and diabetes. Additionally, ostrich feathers and down are in demand among designers for creating clothing and accessories.

“Ostriches eat like regular animals. I give them hay, which I chop beforehand, as well as barley, wheat, and corn. During molting, I feed them silage, soy, and fish meal. These birds can withstand low temperatures down to -40°C in winter and heat in summer. Ostriches start laying eggs at three years old, but chicks only hatch from four-year-old eggs. In the wild, they can live up to 80 years, while here they usually live 50-60. In their native lands, one bird can lay up to 80 eggs a year, but if not cared for, about 30-40. We place the eggs in an incubator, and after 45 days, the chicks hatch,” explains the farmer.

Ostriches also have their habits. Sometimes they spread their wings and "dance," but they do not quickly get used to people. They can show aggression towards each other. Bolotbek also explains why ostrich farming is profitable.

“For example, a foal costs about 80,000 soms, but you have to wait four years for it to grow and produce offspring. During this time, you need to incur expenses for feed, pasture, and shepherd services. An ostrich also costs 80,000 soms, but it can be kept in the yard. A female lays about 30 eggs a year. Even if only half of them survive, that gives about 15 chicks a year. Meanwhile, a mare only gives birth to one foal in the same period,” he says.

Bolotbek Tynaev plans to expand his flock of ostriches and open a farm for meat production. However, the lack of funding currently limits his opportunities.