DH wants an emu...

[RiverOtter]

So I've been reading and it seems that they can get pretty tame if you raise them right. There is a lot of info on the basics, diet and such, but not a lot on having one as a pet.
So how do I raise them right? We'd want it to be friendly with us and other animals. If one can learn to walk on a leash and wear a birdie diaper DH would be happy to have it in the house.

He just wants one. Is that ok or do they need company of their own kind??

How would I find a local emu breeder or supplier of hatching eggs? I'd rather find someone local then trust in ebay. DH would love to hatch one from an egg himself. He's been tossing the idea around for a couple of years and we finally have room.

I would appreciate any and all tips on how to raise a friendly emu.

 

[ranchhand]

I've seen and heard a lot - but an emu in a DIAPER?

 

[chickenzoo]

Yep, they can up to a certain age.... hehe

They can be very friendly if raised correctly.

 

[usschicago1]

 

[RiverOtter]

Quote:
See!!! There it is again!! How do we raise it correctly?


Tell me Obi Wan, you're my only hope...

 

[ShadowRooster]

Treat it like a puppy... let the baby run around the house, let it see many things, and then thats what it will be.. a puppy-emu! I took my emu, Burnu, on walks so he would see lots of peaple. (he is in a petting zoo) The emus like thier necks rubbed, they also like hugs (when they are bigger...) You cant leave an emu in the pen its whole life and expect it to run up and want to be pet. The males are MUCH more friendly than the females, we got both, raised them the same, but the female, Kyeema, would rather run away. 1st grade kids have walked over and hugged Burnu, you just have to watch out for rings-other shiny thing emus will take them... Burnu ate a hair clip.

Burnu is 125 pounds and he still walks on an XX large harness.

He is in a house

 

[Sjisty]

See, that's why I have 3 emu eggs in my incubator. I want an puppy emu!

 

[ibpboo]

Those pics are just too cute!

 

[chickenzoo]

Yep, expose them to everything and animal you can. Dogs especially, and cats. Mine still don't like cats..... Take them out, let them meet people as babies and be petted and touched. When they get old enough to go outside make sure what ever pen you have them in is high enough they can't jump out or push it down, that way when they are adults they are less likely to jump fences in the pasture. Touch their legs as soon as they are babies.... that way it's easier as adults, as their legs are their only defense and are very sensitive. Teach them the down command as babies.... say down and press on their back till they lay down. Good to have them due for when they need treatment, shots etc..... or to look less threatening. LOL. Yes males seem to be friendlier, as they are the ones that care for the babies. My Emu get equine EE & WEE, tetanus shots, West nile if it is a problem that year. A breeder a few years ago lost most his pet herd from it, very very sad.

 

[dak]

Quote:
Do you use the full horse dose? And do you booster it when first given several weeks later?