The emu is the largest bird native to Australia and the second largest bird in the world. The emu is a member of the ratite family, as are ostriches, rheas, kiwi and cassowary.
Scientific
Name: Dromaius Novaehollandiae
Type: Bird
Diet: Omnivore
Size (H): 1.5m - 1.9m (4.9ft - 6.2ft)
Weight: 18kg - 60kg (40lbs - 132lbs)
Top Speed: 40km/h (25mph)
Life Span: 12 - 20 years
Lifestyle: Flock
Color: Black, Grey, Brown
Skin Type: Feathers
Favorite
Food: Fruit
Habitat: Open grasslands with bushes close to water
Average
Clutch Size: 11
Main Prey: Fruit, Seeds, Insects, Flowers
Distinctive
Features: Enormous body size and large
eyes
Emus can
grow to nearly 6 feet tall and they have extremely soft feathers. Emus are
flightless birds mainly due to their enormous size, which means that they are
just too heavy to fly. Emus are very nomadic animals which means that they
rarely stay in the same place for long. This travelling lifestyle means that
the emu can make the most of the food that is available. Emus are known to have
traveled long distances in order to find food.
Emus have
long necks and long legs in comparison to their body type & size. The long,
flexible legs of the emu ensure that the emu is able to run at high speeds.
They generally run at around 25 mph, however they are able to reach a top speed
of 30 mph in short bursts should they need to get away quickly from a dangerous
situation like a predator.
They are
very gentle birds and can become very friendly, depending on how they are
raised. Although you should be advised, they do have sharp claws that could
really hurt a person if you try to catch them and they are not the friendly
type or if they are sick or injured.
Housing:
You should
have a fairly large fenced off area for Emus to be able to move around and
exercise. Fences should be tall enough to prevent the emus from escaping over
the top. If an emu gets spooked for any
reason, they will attempt to jump the fence.
The minimum height should be about 6 – 7 feet high, use fencing that is
safe such as chain link or cattle link types.
This is so the emu won't get their head stuck, tear its feathers or skin.
If using china link, make sure to use double knuckled wire. The emu could cut
their neck and die using the type that is barbed. Place the fence posts on the outside of the
fence as well.
Emu's
generally walk the fence line. This
behavior is quite normal.
Emu's
require some type of shade as well and protection from harsh weather. They must have some type of shelter,
preferably three sided. The shelter should also have straw, hay or another type
of soft bedding. I do not recommend using cedar chips at all.
Food:
Emu's are Omnivorous
which means they can consume both plants and animals. The adult Emu can consume
large quantities of green vegetation, fruits, berries, vegetables, insects and
lizards.
- Feeding an Emu Chick
For the
first few days, the egg yolk nourishes the chick. Water should be given to the chick on the
second day. Vitamin B and electrolytes
can be added to their water to prevent possible deficiencies.
This should be
used for a minimum of two weeks.
By the 4th
day, you can offer the emu chick some chopped greens and vegetables in addition
to the starter crumbles from your farm store.
The feed should NOT be over 16% protein and should be well fortified
with vitamins and minerals. DO NOT get
the type of feed that has any medication in it.
The chicks
should be fed twice a day. It is best to
not place the feed under the heat lamp as, the heat could destroy valuable
vitamins and other nutrients.
Whenever
changing feed types, always do this gradually. When the chicks are ready for a
different type of feed, start to slowly add it into the current feed until they
are fully switched over and the old feed is gone.
If
supplementation of calcium is necessary, utilize a mineral containing both
calcium and phosphorus. It is best to never give shell to Emus until they are
adults.
Emu chicks
require plenty of fresh water. This is important, because the water carries all
the nutrients to every part of the body in addition to cooling and detoxifying
the body of the chick.
- Feeding Adult Emus
Emus will
mostly eat a feed called "Ratite feed". However, you must be careful
when buying feed for emus or any other ratites, especially at a young age. Make sure the feed is fresh and in-date.
Once you
purchase the feed, stick to the same brand. This is very important mostly at a
young age. If you have young emus under 6 months, then you should feed them
ratite grower first. If you cannot find the ratite feed, then you can use the
turkey or game finisher (not the starter).
The food
choices to feed adult emu are greens, such as kale, lettuce, cabbage, and spinach.
You can also give them carrots, corn, and other vegetables that are high in
fiber. Alfalfa pellets can also be fed to emus.
This is a safe feed and is high in fiber.
Another
good idea is to grow rye grass in their pen. As a snack, Emus love fruits, apples & pears
should be sliced thin. Hand feeding
these treats is a great way to tame your emu as well.
Emus must
have fresh food and water daily. Vitamins and electrolytes should be added to
the water once a week during the summer months.
Other Info:
Emus can
be kept with other livestock if introduced properly and at a young age.
Emu are
vocal, the emu has a pouch in its throat that is part of the bird's windpipe
and is used for communication. When the pouch is inflated, the emu can make
deep booming, drumming, and grunting sounds. These calls are usually made
during courtship and the breeding season, heard up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers)
away. They may hiss to warn off predators or other threats.
If
interested in purchasing an Emu or Emus of your own, please feel free to visit
Draconis Animal Brokers website: http://draconisbroker.wix.com/danimalbroker
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