How to Take Care of Emus

Providing the proper environment for your emus is the best way to care for them. These birds, although much larger than you, are depending on your for their food, water and, in most cases, hatching their chicks. A clean pen and proper accommodations will provide your emus with everything they need to be healthy and productive.

Things You'll Need

  • Incubator
  • Pens
  • Ratite feed
  • Clean water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Gather emu eggs from inside their pens and hatch the eggs in an incubator. You can control the temperature and provide an environment without bacteria which considerably raises the chances of hatching a healthy bird.

    • 2

      Give emu chicks a comfortable indoor pen for warmth, but also allow them plenty of outside time in the sun.

    • 3

      Provide quality ratite feed for your emus. Quality food will end up costing you less in the long run because your emus will only eat until they meet their nutritional needs. They will eat a higher quantity of cheaper feed to get the nutrients their bodies need.

    • 4

      Keep clean water available for your emus at all times to help aid in their food digestion. Adult emus need to drink up to 1 gallon of water each day.

    • 5

      Build adequate pens and shelters for your emus. Adult emu pairs need a 30-by-100-feet pen to be comfortable.

    • 6

      Choose areas of land with good drainage and natural shade if possible. Standing water becomes a bacteria breeding ground which can harm your emus, and mature trees offer relief on hot summer days.