emu chick sitting a lot, kind of wobbles

[frankenchick]

First, thanks to all who answered my questions about baby emus!

Kiri and Emdee are home now (hatched 5-5 and brought home today), but we're a little concerned about Emdee. She sits a lot and is wobbly when she does stand up. When she sits, her right foot isn't directly under her. Neither of the babes have eaten or drunk, as far as I can tell. We have a tomato can of water and a can of food in the pen, and I dipped their beaks into the water.

I'm going to talk to the breeder tonight, but is there something we should do in the meantime?

 

[cowman910]

It should take about a week before they are steady on their feet. As for food, Mine didn't start to eat until she was almost a week old.

 

[frankenchick]

Thanks. We'll keep an eye on both of them and give 'em some time.

 

[chickenzoo]

Peck at the food with your finger, dip your finger in the water, then the food and let them bite at your finger. They learn what to eat from momma, and you are now momma... LOL

 

[frankenchick]

I've been concerned about EmDee being spraddle-legged, but she is doing much better. She's actually 1.5 days younger than Kiri. Both of them are eating, drinking, pooping, and -- from time to time -- tearing around the booder.

We are supposed to be selling these birds at the county fair in July or (if not that) trading one of them for a male in the fall. Now, DH is saying he thinks adult emus are "kinda cute" and the kids are getting attached to both of them. I'm thinking we're going to end up with a menage a trois here.

ETA: is there such a thing as a breeding trio?!

 

[cowman910]

yes there is a breeding trio but it usually consist of one female and two males because the male is the one who sits on the eggs.