Emu info please

[crj]

Hi,
I've been looking at and reading many of the posts about Emu's. I never would have thought them to be kind pets. I have chickens, ducks, geese, guineas and a couple of horses. From what I've read Emu's would fit in. My question is how are they with people and kids? I always thought that they would be dangerous to have. So many of you really enjoy your Emu's.

What are the needs of an Emu and how tall do they get? I know I should probably google the info but I think this forum would give me more information since everyone is hands on.

I like to interact with my birds so could you do the same with Emu's? Do they have to be penned? I have so many questions. They are very beautiful. Thanks in advance.

 

[Nicophorus]

You can interact with them more then you can with chickens imo. I dont find them agressive, just very curious.

 

[DebbieF]

Of my 6 emus, I have a couple that are aggressive to my guineas. I've found that the unfortunate guinea that has gotten into their pen has been stomped to death. They aren't all that way though. The one that chases the guineas, came from a home that had a small dog that would harrass the emus through the fence. That may have something to do with the aggression. I have 2 emus in a seperate pen and they don't care at all when chickens get in their pen. They are interesting creatures, they love soaking in water and getting sprayed by the hose. Ratite food is somewhat expensive but they also eat apples, tortillas, bread, etc.
I keep 4 of the emus in a chain link fenced area and the other 2 are in a pen made of hog panels. Both pens work well.

 

[crj]

How much space do emu's need. Can they free range like other birds? I guess I'm trying to find out if they will stay home or take off as if a dog would. I live on almost 2 acres on that are 2 horses and the rest birds that free range and go into pens at night. My turkeys stay put and live on top of a chicken pen.

I woudl imagine if an emu grew up with all the above they should be ok with them. Am I wrong? For the size of these birds they seem to relaxed and non aggressive. It's the aggressiveness that I would worry about with family, friends and neighbor that would come over. I actually have a guard turkey...... ugh. I have to put him up when people come over. It's a good and bad thing.

 

[DebbieF]

I don't know of any emus that free range. I would be afraid they could be injured or injure someone. I think they would do well with a horse but I'm not sure if a traditional barbed wire fence would be enough to keep them in.

 

[crj]

Quote:
I would NEVER use barbed wire. I think it's a very cruel to use. That's just me. I have an electric fence. It's not super powerful, as a matter of fact it's a solar system from Lowe's Home Improvment store. I don't always have it on. My horses don't try to get out. I have a quarter horse and a mini horse. They never put pressure on the fence because they have been shocked before and just stay away from it. If they did get out they would go to the neighbors and eat there grass. That's one thing I don't have in the pen is grass. They get a round bale of hay and of course feed twice a day.

I'm not sure if I would want an Emu in with the horses. It's not the big horse that I would worry about but the mini. He gets into everything and wants to play with everything. I don't think he would be a good playmate for an emu. He tries to check out the ducks, chickens and geese but they all run away from him. Sometimes I feel kind of bad........ lol. You sort of have to see it in action.

 

[casuarius]

They have to stay in a fence or they will leave. Emus are one of the most nomadic birds alive, and never stay in one place for long. Electric fence wont work, they'll come through it, or break the wires and get tangled. They are definitely lacking in intelligence lol. They will chase and kick any smaller birds than they are, sometimes livestock as well, but cant really hurt goats, or other mammals of similar size. Females are the dominant sex, and more aggressive unless hand raised. And even then, I have a hand raised female...she will lay down and stick her butt in the air everytime im around like a fool, but will attack strangers and my wife. Every Emu i've had would chase kids, I wouldnt risk letting them in the pen with adult emus.

 

[crj]

Thank you. All that is very good to know. I suppose this is where I have to draw the line on birds. Turkeys will have to be the largest of the birds for me. I enjoy all my birds, they are a hoot. Emu's sound like a lot of fun but I guess they have are like horses..... they need there own space. Kids come over a lot with there parents and I would hate to see something happen to them.