Things You'll Need
- Escape proof pen
- Weather proof protection construction
- Health check by veterinarian
- Time to handle the chicks
- Commercial emu food, together with a variety of fruit and vegetables
- Clean and cool water
Instructions
Check with your state department of agriculture or their local association regarding any permit requirements for your specific area and inquire about any restrictions or general requirements for raising emus that may apply in your case.
Keep the growing emu chicks in escape-proof camps or pens. Emu chicks are curious and will approach companion animals, like dogs and cats without fear. Correctly constructed pens will also protect your chicks from predators, such as coyotes and feral dogs.
Provide a weather-proof environment for young chicks. Suspend a heat lamp from the ceiling for very young chicks, unless they are housed with their parents. Provide shade and protection from rain for growing chicks.
Keep your chicks on grass, as these birds typically pick up stones and other pieces of debris on an ongoing basis.
Have your veterinarian perform a complete health check on the chicks.
Request a schedule of necessary inoculations from the veterinarian and require about possible health concerns.
Begin handling your chicks from an early age. Adult emus are large and powerful birds that are capable of delivering a powerful and potentially dangerous kick. Show family members and staff the correct way to approach and handle the chicks, and interact with them as frequently as possible to ensure tame adult birds.
Provide sufficient food of a high quality for the growing chicks. Commercial feeds, which offer a balanced diet should make up the bulk of each meal, but, the chick's diet can be supplemented with diced vegetables and fruit. The chicks will graze on grass and will capture insects as the opportunity allows.
Provide adequate, cool and clean water at all times.