Electric fence or barbed wire for emus?

[Ella2710]

I keep my emu with my chickens, and she rammed the fence and was running free! Then my giant dog (saint bernard) chimed in and started chasing her! It was a disaster...anyways I need to think about fencing before this happens again, and was wondering if electric fence will stop her? Or if anyone has other ideas? Thanks guys, any opinions welcome, I just need some suggestions!

 

[Friendly_Lurker]

I love emus! I've only ever met one, though. I would suggest something other than electric fence or barbed wire in case she gets stuck. I have experience with chickens getting stuck, but no emu experience whatsoever. Try cattle panels. Hope that helps!

 

[drumstick diva]

@Pyxis could give you best advice, she really knows emus

 

[Pyxis]

Neither barbed wire nor electric fence. Emus ignore electric for the most part and can seriously injure themselves on barbed wire.

What's your current fence like? Emus need a fence usually at least six feet tall, and made out of decently strong material. I use welded wire.

 

[chelseachook]

I keep my emu with my chickens, and she rammed the fence and was running free! Then my giant dog (saint bernard) chimed in and started chasing her! It was a disaster...anyways I need to think about fencing before this happens again, and was wondering if electric fence will stop her? Or if anyone has other ideas? Thanks guys, any opinions welcome, I just need some suggestions!View attachment 2127260

That's so cool! I have never heard of anyone keeping an emu for a pet before! I used to see wild emus everyday in fields, but I have no idea if they are around now because COVID-19 has kept me in the house.

 

[Ella2710]

Neither barbed wire nor electric fence. Emus ignore electric for the most part and can seriously injure themselves on barbed wire.

What's your current fence like? Emus need a fence usually at least six feet tall, and made out of decently strong material. I use welded wire.

Because we keep her with our chickens, she has tall 7 ft fencing made of chicken mesh fence, but the chicken run isn't going to keep her forever and she needs more space. I plan on giving her a large one and a half acre field, but wanted to be efficient on cost as well.

 

[Calla]

I keep my emu with my chickens, and she rammed the fence and was running free! Then my giant dog (saint bernard) chimed in and started chasing her! It was a disaster...anyways I need to think about fencing before this happens again, and was wondering if electric fence will stop her? Or if anyone has other ideas? Thanks guys, any opinions welcome, I just need some suggestions!View attachment 2127260
[/Q UOTE]
Hi doubt that electric fence will do the job,..but never , never use barbed wire as they are fence walkers and could easily get hurt. I use 6ft 2x2 mesh all round, so they cant get caught with legs like sheep netting..hope this helps. Calla