How to Buy an Emu

Emus are the second-largest bird, after the ostrich. They originated in Australia where the indigenous people used every part of them, just as the native Americans used the buffalo. Emu farming became popular in the United States in the 1980s, and people eventually started keeping them as pets. Buying emus isn't hard, but remember that they can grow as tall as 6 1/2 feet. Don̵7;t buy an emu unless you have room for it to grow, the patience to bond with it, and the strength to find a better home for it, if necessary.

Things You'll Need

  • Zoning clearance
  • Room for an 8-by-10-foot pen
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Check the zoning regulations in your area to ensure that you are allowed to have an emu.

    • 2

      Decide whether you want an egg, a chick, a yearling or an adult. Each has different pros and cons, but if you intend to keep your emu as a pet, you have a better chance with a chick that you can hand raise.

    • 3

      Find a reputable emu farm. The American Emu Association, and "Emu Today" and "Tomorrow Magazine" are both good sources, but you should visit several farms before deciding. Choose breeding pairs from two different farms to ensure that they are from different parents, as inbreeding causes many problems in emus.

    • 4

      When buying an older emu, you need to look for straight legs with rough-looking backs, a straight neck and back, eyes that are clear and bright and a calm and alert demeanor.