Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch
- Admission
- $18 to $36 depending on the feeding package; children 5 and under are free
- Hours
- Open seasonally (typically mid-October to April), Friday to Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Duration
- 1-2 hours
- Parking
- Free on-site parking lot with ample space for RVs and trailers
- Access
- Mainly flat, packed-dirt pathways suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though some outdoor areas can be dusty
This beloved family-run roadside stop lets you feed a lively cast of ostriches, miniature donkeys, goats, and rainbow lorikeets. Located at the base of Picacho Peak, it offers a hands-on desert adventure featuring the famous 'hole-in-the-wall' gang of goats.
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Located at the base of Picacho Peak, Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch has been a beloved Arizona roadside stop since 1999. Founded by the Cogburn family, this working ranch expanded from a simple ostrich breeding facility into a hands-on petting zoo.
Visitors can feed a wide variety of animals, including the famously enthusiastic ostriches via specially designed feeding chutes. The ranch is also home to miniature donkeys, fainting goats, rainbow lorikeets, and red-necked wallabies.
Featured on numerous travel television shows, the ranch is celebrated for its quirky, interactive charm. It offers a classic American road trip experience that bridges agricultural education with pure roadside novelty.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Purchase the 'monster feeding bucket' for the best value to feed all the different species.
- ◆ Wear closed-toe shoes, as the walking paths are dusty and unpaved.
- ◆ Visit in the morning during warmer months to avoid the intense midday desert heat.
- ◆ Keep your camera ready for the 'hole-in-the-wall' feeding areas where goats stick their heads through.
Heads Up
- ◆ Ostriches peck aggressively when feeding; always use the provided feeding cups and chutes rather than your bare hands.
- ◆ The desert environment has very little shade, so sunscreen and hydration are essential.
Common questions
Can you ride the ostriches at the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch?
No, ostrich riding is not permitted at the ranch. Visitors can feed and interact with the ostriches through protective barriers, but riding is strictly prohibited.
Is the ostrich ranch open during the summer months?
No, the ranch typically closes for the summer season, usually from May through September, due to extreme desert heat. It is best to check their official schedule for the exact seasonal opening and closing dates.
Do they really have stingrays at an ostrich ranch in the Arizona desert?
Yes, the ranch features a shade-covered stingray feeding pool where visitors can hand-feed warm-water stingrays. This is offered as an add-on experience alongside feeding the land animals.