Birds Gone Wild (And Other Stories of Arizona Ostrich Ranching). New release (Jan. 1, 2026) from national award-winning author & historian Janelle Molony. ORDER HERE (Amazon Link) or (Author Contact – for Signed Copies) Ebook $9.99, Audio $14.99, Paperback $24.99, Hardcover $34.99.
A humorous pop history of “feather farms” in Arizona, from boom to bust.
Stories explore the introduction of ostriches to the American Southwest, the legacy of the state’s first birds, unlikely pioneers and their feather fortunes, a disastrous ostrich drive and other cowboy wrangling foibles, followed by a promising new opportunity for these prehistoric birds. You’ll learn things you never knew you needed to know. And soon, you’ll be unable to resist telling all your friends about the amazing past, present and future of ostriches in Arizona.
“Fascinating!”
– D. C. “Rooster” Cogburn, Founder of the World-Renowned Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch near Picacho Peak, Arizona. Click here to learn more about the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch at Picacho Peak.
Funny and entertaining; sometimes even tragic. I was quite intrigued at the enormous industry created in AZ by those who came this way in search of fortune and found it in ostriches!
– Carol Lynds, Descendant-Relative to the Pickrells (pioneer ostrich ranchers in Arizona Territory).
ORDER HERE (Amazon Link) or (Author Contact – for Signed Copies)
Ebook $9.99, Audio $14.99, Paperback $24.99, Hardcover $34.99.
What’s Inside?
Life as an “Ostrich Boy”
Arizona’s “Ostrich Boys” often had no experience. Most days, raising ostriches was easier than pie. But every-so-often the weirdest, wonkiest or deadliest scenario would put these wranglers to flight.
Surge of Ostrich Tourism
Ostriches have an uncanny way of attracting oglers. Early ostrich ranches in Arizona Territory became some of the first private animal parks in the state (long before the first zoo!)
The Great Arizona Ostrich Drive
In November of 1914, wranglers attempted to heard a large troop of ostriches from Avondale to Chandler, AZ. Mid-journey, things went awry and the birds stampeded in every direction!
Modern Day Ostrich Ranching
Ostrich ranching has continued through diligent care and animal studies. Current ventures for ostriches include family-friendly animal parks, luxurious fashions, delicious foods and groundbreaking medicines.
Triggers: Violence, Politics & Satire.
Note: Ebook and Audio contain modified photo captions that are accessible for readers with low vision.
“A fun & offbeat look at Arizona’s past.”
– Heidi Osselaer, Retired Professor of History (ASU) & Author of Arizona’s Deadliest Gunfight (2018).
“Triumph, tragedy, and tomfoolery mingle with the history and science of raising ostriches. Molony provides the reader with a delightful romp among these flightless creatures!”
– Jan Cleere, AZ Historian and Multi-Award-Winning Author of Military Wives in Arizona Territory (2021).
Video Playlist
More Information
Weird Humor… History… Science
If you love history and science, this might be the best book on ostrich ranching you’ll ever read. If you don’t, this might be the best book on ostrich ranching you’ll ever read.
About the Author
Janelle Molony (the “Hottie Historian” on YouTube) has earned literary acclaim and honors from the American Writing Awards, Writer’s Digest, Readers’ Favorite, BookFest, National Indie Excellence, the National Federation of Press Women, the Nonfiction Authors Association, and Women Writing the West (among others). In addition to writing, Molony was the host of the interview series, “Women of Wyoming: Then & Now.”
Bonus Content
Check out the book’s Appendix for direct access to two FREE films and beginner instructions for how to cook ostrich meat.
Also… for the Audiobook readers, here is where you can download the Appendix and Bibliography.
On a Serious Note
Many of the events included occurred before the formation of organizations such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (1889), the National Audubon Society (1896), and the U.S. activist group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA, 1980). The impact of advocacy group formation, activism, interventions and other legislative milestones are evident throughout the book. Official statements from such organizations are included in the Appendix and throughout the book. Finally, it should be noted that the Animal Welfare Act (9 CFR: 1-3), enforced by the USDA, specifically excludes ostriches bred for the use of food, leather or feathers, and to those bred for research and experimentation.
ORDER HERE (Amazon Link) or (Author Contact – for Signed Copies)
Ebook $9.99, Audio $14.99, Paperback $24.99, Hardcover $34.99.
Related Articles
- Ostrich ranchers in Early Arizona History, GenTales Magazine, August 14, 2025.
- “The Ostrich Industry” 1913 Speech by Arizona Rep. Carl T. Hayden, Medium.com, October 27, 2025.
- Are Ostriches the Answer to Cancer? Medium.com, May 6, 2025.
- Ostriches are Under the Microscope & Arizona is Ready. Medium.com, June 7, 2025.
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