Advice on Emus Incubating Eggs

[Kalifornsky]

I had to go on a trip for a couple of weeks, knowing two mature males would end up sitting on the eggs that were still being laid. After getting back I was just able to check on them and Juneau is pretty far away in a field, no wind/rain protection whatsoever, while Denali is sitting in a nice niche with wind cover, but no rain cover. Juneau was noticeably shivering with low energy, while Denali wasn't shivering as much but he still looked a bit cold.

The weather here in Texas has been chilly, and it looks like at night it'll get down to the 20's next week.

And maybe the question I'm posing is an unnecessary one- I know emus should be able to deal with incubating their own eggs, no help required. I've read they don't eat or poop during the 50~ day period, but I still can't help but worry.

Do emus die trying to incubate eggs in freezing temperatures? I think they'll be fine on the food/water front, but since he was shivering pretty badly I'm worried for Juneau. This is the first time I'm thinking of letting them sit on the eggs and I'm tempted to take the eggs Juneau is sitting on and stick them under Denali (but they might not fit, he's sitting on a lot!). Maybe give him a blanket?

Let me know thoughts or personal experiences!

 

[Wezdin]

@Pyxis hatches emu eggs, mabye she will be able to help.

 

[Pyxis]

Since they don't get up all and it shouldn't bother them, could you whip up a small temporary structure, maybe even just a simple A-frame, to put over the top of them to give them a little shelter from the elements and the wind? I've done something similar for other species of birds that have decided to sit in silly places.

 

[Kalifornsky]

I think the future-dads are doing well despite the cold temperatures. I gave Juneau some grass and saw him eating it, so it seems they don't mind a snack while egg-sitting. I also gave Juneau a wall of hay and some plastic coverings to deflect some of the wind.

It also seems it's natural behavior for them to be sleepy/half-dead as a means to conserve energy. Now that I check on him every day he's more alert, so I might back off for a few days since I know he's coping fine.