Ostrich farming has a long and rich history in South Africa, dating back to the late 19th century when the high demand for ostrich feathers in the fashion industry drove the industry. Today, ostrich farming in South Africa has diversified to include the production of meat, feathers, leather, and live birds. The majority of ostrich farms in South Africa are located in the Western Cape province, particularly in the Klein Karoo region, which is known as the “ostrich capital of the world”.

 

One of the key questions that many people have about ostrich farming is whether the birds have to be killed in order to produce leather belts and other accessories. The answer is no. Ostriches are farmed for their meat, feathers, and hides. The hides are obtained after the birds have been humanely harvested for their meat. The hides are then tanned and processed to create leather, which can be used to make belts and other accessories such as shoes, handbags and wallets.

 

The process of tanning the hides involves removing any fat and flesh from the hide, and then treating it with a mixture of chemicals to preserve it and make it supple. This process can take several weeks to complete. Once the hides have been tanned, they are cut into strips and then sewn together to create belts. The finished product is a durable, high-quality leather belt that is both stylish and long-lasting. The process of creating belts from ostrich hides does not harm the birds and it is a sustainable way to make use of the resources that the farming of ostriches provide.

 

Ostrich farming in South Africa is considered to be a sustainable and humane industry. The birds are raised in large, open pastures and are provided with ample food and water. Ostrich farmers in South Africa are also required to adhere to strict animal welfare standards. Ostrich meat is considered a healthy and lean red meat, with less fat and cholesterol than other meats. Its meat is also a good source of iron and protein. The feathers are also used in the fashion industry and the leather is used to make a variety of products, including shoes, belts, handbags, and wallets.

 

As a sustainable industry, ostrich farming in South Africa also provides employment opportunities and contributes to the local economy. The South African Ostrich Business Chamber (SAOBC) represents the interests of ostrich farmers and the industry as a whole, and works to promote the responsible and sustainable farming of ostriches in South Africa.

 

Oudtshoorn, located in the Klein Karoo region of the Western Cape province of South Africa, is known as the “ostrich capital of the world” due to its long history of ostrich farming. The town is home to many ostrich farms and related businesses, including ostrich meat producers, feather merchants, and leather goods manufacturers. Visitors to Oudtshoorn can learn about the history of ostrich farming, see the birds up close, and even take a ride on an ostrich. Ostrich leather goods and feather products are also available for purchase.

 

In conclusion, it is not necessary to kill ostriches to make belts. Ostriches are farmed for their meat, feathers, and hides. The hides are obtained after the birds have been humanely harvested for their meat and then tanned and processed to create leather, which is used to make belts and other accessories. Ostrich farming in South Africa is a sustainable and humane industry that also provides employment opportunities and contributes to the local economy.

 

If you want to purchase an Ostrich belt online in the USA or anywhere around the world, please kindly click this link, Ostrich belt from Ostrich2Love. Their Ostrich Leather Belts are individually handmade in South Africa from exotic ostrich leather using traditional methods. These stylish belts have a smooth calf leather lining and are available in an array of colours from classic browns to stand out shades such as chartreuse and flame red. Suitable for both Gentleman and Ladies, their ostrich leather belt looks equally as good paired casually with a pair of chinos or denim, as it does more formally with a suit.