Emu keeping questions

[Wolf-Kim]

I don't plan on getting any but I have a few questions, if we were to somehow end up with a couple eggs in the incubator.
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Can they be kept in a electric wire fence?
Would a deep pond be used as a natural barrier, as with horses?
Can they be penned with horses in a large pasture without issues?

Thanks
-Kim

 

[Mahonri]

All I can say is that you posted this on the correct forum.

"Other Fowl"....

 

[youdontknow32]

Honestly I have no idea....

However, I would never ever keep them with my horses.....but that is just me

 

[92caddy]

Yes you can keep them in with hot wire, I wouldnt advise it in case they bite down on it, but you should have a higher fence cause they can jump really good. One guy I know has his in with his white tail deer and he puts them in with the horses when the deer start to mate. Another friend keeps her with the lama. They love the water, so a pond would be great for them, they love to splash around in the water............

 

[reallemons1]

When we had ours we kept them in 2x4x6 12 gauge dog fence. a couple times they got to running so fast along the fence that they ran up and OVER the fence. Lucky the horse pasture was alongside theirs. We didn't keep them in with the horses but after seeing how they are able to use their very strong legs and toe nails I didn't trust them with the horses. They are able if they want to do a great deal of damage. They love water and would enjoy a pond. I don't know if they can swim so I'm not sure if if a pond would keep them in. They are fasinating birds.

 

[spectrumranch]

We have raised Emus for along time. I have never seen them stay in a few strand electric fence for any lenght of time.

We usually recommend a 5 foot high fence for them if they are kept in a smaller area. We have kept them in large pastures that have a lower standard woven wire fence.

Alot depends on how tame they are and how they have been raised.

We have kept them with a large variety of animals-- horses, mini horses, camels, llamas, alpacas, cattle, etc. without any conflict. The only hassle is feeding the Emus seperate from the others. We usually put there feeder on the outside of a gate where the Emus can reach thru to eat but the other animals can not.

When keeping them with other birds- they need to be raised around them so that they are accustom to them. We have purchased adult Emus that were never around other types of birds- chickens, ducks, etc that would stump on them. So they should be introduced to them at a young age.

I would not trust a pond as a natural barrier as they like the water. Our Emu will come and sit at your feet so you can spray them down with the hose for a bath.

Randy www.spectrumranch.net & www.sosranch.net

Heritage Auction dates Feb 26-28, 2009 see websites for details
Antiques- FEB 26 & 27
Firearms FEB 26
Animals Feb 28

 

[GuineaFowlKepper]

They would charge right through an electric fence. They would walk up next to it and rubon it all day. No matter how big of an enclosure you give them, they will pace the perimeter fencing. And moats wouldnt be that effective, emus can and will swim. They will cross rivers (swimming, not walking!) and come out on the other side! As for the horses, I would consider the temperment of the horses and put them into their barn/stall while letting the emus run the pasture. Then one by one, put the horses back into the pature. You shouldnt have any problems, but it all depends on the individuals. Female emus can be VERY aggressive.