Big birds

Even the birds' eggs have become a source of profit for the Appelbaums. Their ostriches lay their eggs at dusk, and Todd collects them each night. One ostrich egg is the equivalent of about 24 chicken eggs, and it typically weighs 3 to 4 pounds. Todd says he once fed 15 people with one ostrich egg and still had leftovers.

Ostrich eggs can be cooked just like other types of eggs, but be prepared for a much longer cooking time. According to the American Ostrich Association (www.ostriches.org), it can take 11/2 hours to hard-boil an ostrich egg.

The Appelbaums also sell ostrich eggs to people who create works of art by carving and painting the shells.