Court hears celibate ostrich case

Fourteen baby birds would be worth around 5,000 euros, the owner says

A German farmer is suing two boys, claiming they left his ostrich impotent after throwing firecrackers at it.

Gustav's owner says that for six months after the 2005 attack the bird lost his lust for life, had no interest in sex and was depressed and apathetic.

In usual circumstances, the owner says, he would have fathered chicks worth 5,000 euros (£3,400) in that period.

The boys admit harassing the bird but say they only threw pebbles. Court talks have failed to settle the row.

Gustav's owner - in the eastern town of Bautzen - rejected a package in which the accused would pay a vet bill of 140 euros and also work for 40 hours on the ostrich farm.

He demanded that the two work 100 hours each on the land, but the boys dismissed his plan as "fantasy".

Following the failure to agree a settlement, the judge is trying to find an expert who can evaluate the psychological state of the bird. The evaluation will be presented at a further court hearing.

The ostrich hens have been laying eggs since the middle of last year, suggesting Gustav's capabilities have been restored.