How do I Raise Emus in Tennessee?

Choose a location in Tennessee to set up your emu farm. You will need at least 5 to 10 acres of land for your emu pasture. Emus tend to prefer pastures with large open areas, natural vegetation and shade. The land you choose must have adequate drainage; bacteria and insects will thrive in areas with inadequate drainage, which could result in disease and infection in your emus.

Erect a chain link fence around your emu pasture 6 feet high. Emus can jump over fences lower than 6 feet. Don't use barbed wire as emus can seriously hurt themselves on this kind of wire. Make sure there are not any holes or gaps in the fences where an emu could get a limb stuck and hurt themselves as a result. The pasture can be divided up as needed to ensure proper care and protection for the birds. Emu chicks can be safely fenced in a smaller area with chicken wire.

Provide shelter for your emus and ensure the shelter is kept clean. Barns or stables with heating lamps are suitable shelters for adult emus. Most emus prefer to be outside; they tend to rest under the shade of a tree, near bales of hay or against the fencing of the pasture. In the winter, additional shelter is necessary in Tennessee. A two-sided wooden structure or bales of hay stacked on top of each other can help to block the cold winter wind from the emus during the day. At night, it is best to secure the emus in the barn. Emu chicks under 3 months of age must be protected from the elements, especially during the winter. If you choose to have emu chicks on your farm, a chicken barn is necessary. A pen with a heating lamp, 5 feet by 10 feet with an 80-foot chicken run is adequate for 10 or fewer chicks. Close up the chicken run at night to ensure the emu chicks are protected from the elements.

Purchase your emu from a licensed breeder. Decide if you want to purchase an egg, chick or adult emu. If you choose an adult emu, inspect the bird carefully, make sure the legs are straight and rough in texture and that the neck, back, toes and toe nails are straight. The eyes should be clear and the temperament should be responsive and alert. Have your emu tagged and sexed. If you plan on breeding your emus, ensure you purchase two emus that are not related to each other.

Provide necessary nutrition for your emu. Store-bought food for emus is available at farming centers. Feed emus by placing food in large bowl and allow them to eat at will. Feed several times a day or as needed. An adult emu will eat approximately 1 1/2 lbs. of food per day. An emu chick will eat 2 lbs. a day. Each stage of an emu's life has different nutritional requirements. Ensure you are feeding your emu the appropriate proportions for your bird's needs.