Wow! I have had discussions of late about my tendency to anthopomorpise my critters, but even I hadn't (consciously) considered self-actualization. I will have to re-visit Maslow and see how I think the heirarchy applies.
As to the original issue, now over two months old, I hope some sort of happy resolution was reached. I wondered if the OP should just go up to the owners' place and tell them he thinks the emu is really cool and that he loves birds too and do they mind if he asks them about emus since he's thinking of getting one and there aren't any others around. This may give a feel for the owners' position on the emu without coming off as judgmental or prying at all. People ask me all the time about my animals, although it's usually while I'm in the yard. If these people never are seen outside, maybe a quick phone call to their business might break the ice. I actually did that while researching getting an emu myself.
You might find out more about the scenario than you expected. Maybe the bird isn't even theirs, but one someone dumped on them. Maybe indeed they do not want them emu, but have no clue that anyone else would either. Maybe they think they are saving it from a worse situation or being eaten and you might be just the "out" they need if you are willing to adopt. Maybe they want to keep him but don't know much on care and you could helpfully suggest your sources of info like BYC.
Some people a few doors down from me (whom I never met) moved away but left a lone sheep in the pasture, and came back a few times a week to feed and water him. Because he was behind their home and a tree-line, I didn't know he was there for a year, until another neighbor mentioned it to me. I tracked the owners and offered to take care of the sheep or even to "foster" him until they could make better arrangements. Well they had no idea anyone would even want a very old wether for a pet and were thrilled to give him to a good home.
You might not have such a happy ending, but at least you'll know better about the situation instead of assuming the worst.
I have a "rescue" emu. She's about 7 months old and was at a petting farm with a bunch of others when somehow her leg was hurt. The owners separated her in a barn stall but didn't want to invest any time or money in her care. She seemed sad and barely tried to stand. They gave her to me since I have an emu that's her same age. The emu was standing within a day, and running again within several. The two emus don't seem to interact that much, like it's just co-incidence they're in the same field. There are sheep and a llama too. I think they're glad to have other beings available though. My other emu was raised from an egg by someone who doted on her as a house emu until I got her at 3 months so she's extra friendly.
I don't think sheep should be a problem. My sheep are kind of bullies taking everyone's food, but they were spoiled bottle babies. I shut them in the barn so the emus can eat their food in peace.
As to the original issue, now over two months old, I hope some sort of happy resolution was reached. I wondered if the OP should just go up to the owners' place and tell them he thinks the emu is really cool and that he loves birds too and do they mind if he asks them about emus since he's thinking of getting one and there aren't any others around. This may give a feel for the owners' position on the emu without coming off as judgmental or prying at all. People ask me all the time about my animals, although it's usually while I'm in the yard. If these people never are seen outside, maybe a quick phone call to their business might break the ice. I actually did that while researching getting an emu myself.
You might find out more about the scenario than you expected. Maybe the bird isn't even theirs, but one someone dumped on them. Maybe indeed they do not want them emu, but have no clue that anyone else would either. Maybe they think they are saving it from a worse situation or being eaten and you might be just the "out" they need if you are willing to adopt. Maybe they want to keep him but don't know much on care and you could helpfully suggest your sources of info like BYC.
Some people a few doors down from me (whom I never met) moved away but left a lone sheep in the pasture, and came back a few times a week to feed and water him. Because he was behind their home and a tree-line, I didn't know he was there for a year, until another neighbor mentioned it to me. I tracked the owners and offered to take care of the sheep or even to "foster" him until they could make better arrangements. Well they had no idea anyone would even want a very old wether for a pet and were thrilled to give him to a good home.
You might not have such a happy ending, but at least you'll know better about the situation instead of assuming the worst.
I have a "rescue" emu. She's about 7 months old and was at a petting farm with a bunch of others when somehow her leg was hurt. The owners separated her in a barn stall but didn't want to invest any time or money in her care. She seemed sad and barely tried to stand. They gave her to me since I have an emu that's her same age. The emu was standing within a day, and running again within several. The two emus don't seem to interact that much, like it's just co-incidence they're in the same field. There are sheep and a llama too. I think they're glad to have other beings available though. My other emu was raised from an egg by someone who doted on her as a house emu until I got her at 3 months so she's extra friendly.
I don't think sheep should be a problem. My sheep are kind of bullies taking everyone's food, but they were spoiled bottle babies. I shut them in the barn so the emus can eat their food in peace.
