Good Pets???

[moonjelly]

I've kept my emu with chickens, geese, turkeys, everything. There's no problem there (at least that I've ever seen). I didn't mean it was a no for sure. Right now I have my ostrich chicks in a rather small area for most of the day because one of my chicks was sick and they're under supervision. That's really the only reason I have fear one of the larger chicks might squish my newborn emus. Once they're all a little older and in a bigger area it will less likely be a concern of mine. When they are all together they cuddle up together in a pile and one of the ostrich chicks even groomed of the baby emus (they're only a few days old, my ostrich chicks are several weeks old). I'll definitely get some vids up next week. I've taken so much footage and I need to start going through it. They're all so cute, I feel so lucky to have them.

 

[chickenfreak101]

Oh... That makes sense. Anyway, thanks. Great info on the turkeys, geese, etc.

 

[chickenfreak101]

Oh!I just saw the vid of your babies on the other post. I watched that on YouTube a couple days ago. Small internet world.

 

[Tame Emu Guy]

I have no personal experience of this issue – but BYC folk have noted periodically that, even though emus and other critters usually thrive together (and sometimes form strong friendships!), there are sometimes ‘territorial issues’ when new critters are introduced into the environment of ‘established’ emus.

May I suggest a cruise through the Wonderland of Old Threads??

S.E.

 

[moonjelly]

Glad you liked the video. Aren't they adorable? That was before my emu eggs hatched, so I need to get a new one up with everyone together.

 

[chickenfreak101]

Tame emu guy, great advice! There will be no new intros, as i hope to get them all as chicks and raise them together. I will have to look at old threads.

 

[moonjelly]

Hey, chickenfreak, here's a pic of my babies all together in their crate.

 

[chickenfreak101]

Awwww!!! I love them! So cute.

 

[yinepu]

Sorry guys.. but it needs to be said from time to time



I hate to burst anyone's bubble.. but I hate to lump emu and other ratites in as "pets" since this fuels the people who are looking for the next "cool" fad pet

Bottom line is they are livestock. Livestock which needs special fencing and care. they are not a puppy or a kitten. They do get big and all are potentially dangerous (ripping out earrings to raking with sharp claws, kicking like a mule to chasing and causing serious injury).

So ownership of any of the ratites should not be taken lightly. If one escapes it's a bit different than a chicken escaping the henhouse. When your cute lil "pet" escapes it can cause all sorts of havoc to your neighbors, their pets as well as passing motorists. Not to mention that escaped ratites have been known to travel large distances which means that havoc would be more widespread.


Most vets have no idea as to how to treat an emu. Not to mention they are prohibited everywhere where livestock is prohibited.
calling them "good pets" fuels the misconception that they can be kept by anyone or are good for all ages.
Plus if something happens and it dies.. it's a bit harder to flush than a goldfish.



Sure emu hugs are great... but there is a lot more to keeping a ratite than their silly antics and goofy smiles. Which basically means that ratite ownership is not something to be taken lightly and certainly shouldn't be the next new 'fad"

 

[chickenfreak101]

Like I said, this is for years from now, and I raise livestock for a living. But I don't want a super mean bird. Thus this thread was born. Perhaps good pets was not the correct term. How about, are they friendly? I do appreciate your opinion, though.