Basics to raising emus or rheas

[toejam]

I am really trying to talk my dad into emus or rheas other birds). So I need to know the basics of raising emus or rheas to convince him
me basic questions I have are:
How high does the fence have to be and what type?
What do they eat?
How much space per bird?
Best type of shelter?
How much for one?
and any other tips/suggestions you have would be great.

Please say if you are telling about emus or rheas... thanks

 

[Vanderfelt]

I have two emus in a temporary run with six foot fencing. It sure seems like more than enough to contain them. They both eat chicken feed and forage in grass, they love grape leaves! They have an area approximately 120 feet by 115 feet to run around in. They don't walk the fence line like I heard they would, they zip around all over. They also have a large shed to keep them out of the weather but so far in five months they haven't used it. I paid fifty dollars a chick.

 

[chickenzoo]

Chicks can be around $50 - $100 typically here.

At least 5 ft as adults...... teach them to respect a fence by never allowing them the opportunity to push, knock down or climb a flimsy one as chicks.

This is the fence we use, 3 board and small dog wire.

As chicks they eat chicken/turkey starter. Feed this until they are past 6 months, then they have Emu chow or I mix my own - Chicken layer, Wild bird seed, sweet feed, dog food. They also like some fruits and veggies- green leafy types.

Amount varies, but I give them free access feeders and fill them up with about 2 feed scoops of feed, twice daily for 2 adult Emu.

More space the better, I would think like this- what ever pasture size you want for a horse, would be good for an emu, as they are runners.

They typically do not use shelters

They love water, so a pond or kiddy pool where they can lay in water is great.

I would suggest you start out with a chick and raise it up, they are better pets that way and less excitable, also males seem to make better pets.

 

[awesomefowl]

I wish I had an emu! I think they're cute! But also sort of scary.

 

[chickenzoo]

They can seem kind of scary because they do not know what personal space is, have that scary look sometimes and LOVE bright colored or shiny things and will grab and pull at things. And when they are very afraid or if you try and grab their leg and they are not use to it they can be dangerous because of how big and sharp their claws are, but they don't typically attack people, only defend themselves. Jazzy, male pictured above is very, very sweet and very very very friendly.... thinks he's a dog. He will come up to me and lean on me - wanting me to give him attention. He loves to be rubbed and scratched and gives emu huggs. He will lay down on my feet if I ignore him.... LOL

 

[awesomefowl]

Oooh....emus.....

 

[Brindlebtch]

trick to raising cassowaries - don't get killed.

 

[toejam]

I dont want cassowaries... Ive heard if you get kicked by one... it will snap you leg... and they arent as tame as emus.

 

[awesomefowl]

Quote:
True, true. I'm going with an emu.

 

[Sumatra503]

Are Rhea as tame as emus? i've been looking for soma and I was wondering.