Emu Care, Diet, and Housing: A Guide for Homesteaders

At Hippie Hens Homestead, we’re all about living close to the land and embracing unique, sustainable animals like the emu. These majestic, flightless birds from Australia are hardy, low-maintenance, and versatile—providing eggs, meat, oil, and even feathers. Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or a curious beginner, here’s everything you need to know about emu care, diet, and housing to keep your flock thriving.

Emu Care: Keeping Your Birds Happy and Healthy

Emus are resilient, but they thrive with attentive care. Here’s how to ensure their well-being:

1. Daily Observations

• Behavior: Emus are curious and social. Watch for signs of distress, like lethargy, limping, or isolation, which could indicate illness or injury.

• Feathers and Skin: Check for feather loss, mites, or skin irritation. Emu oil (from their fat) can be used to soothe minor skin issues.

• Feet and Legs: Inspect for cuts, swelling, or bumblefoot, as emus are prone to foot injuries due to their active nature.

2. Health Maintenance

• Vaccinations: Emus rarely need vaccines, but consult a local avian vet for region-specific recommendations (e.g., for avian influenza).

• Parasite Control: Deworm annually or as needed, using vet-approved products like ivermectin. External parasites like mites can be managed with diatomaceous earth or poultry-safe sprays.

• Veterinary Care: Find a vet experienced with ratites (flightless birds like emus and ostriches). Regular checkups are ideal, especially for breeding birds.

3. Handling and Safety

• Emus can grow up to 6 feet tall and weigh 100–150 pounds, with powerful legs that can kick. Use calm, confident movements when handling:

• Use a chute or corral for exams or treatments.

• Never approach from behind, as they may kick defensively.

• For chicks, handle gently to build trust, but avoid over-handling to prevent stress.

4. Environmental Enrichment

• Emus are inquisitive and need stimulation. Provide:

• Space to roam and run (they love to sprint!).

• Objects like balls or hanging toys for pecking and play.

• Dust baths for natural grooming.

5. Seasonal Care

• Cold Weather: Emus tolerate cold well but need shelter from wind and wet conditions. Provide dry bedding (straw or wood shavings) in their shelter.

• Hot Weather: Ensure shade and fresh water to prevent heat stress. Emus may pant or lie in cool dirt to regulate body temperature.

Emu Diet: Feeding for Health and Vitality

A balanced diet is key to emu health, growth, and productivity. Emus are omnivorous, with simple dietary needs that can be met sustainably on a homestead.

1. Basic Nutritional Needs

• Protein: Essential for growth, especially in chicks (16–20% protein) and breeding adults (14–16%).

• Carbohydrates and Fiber: Provide energy and aid digestion. Grains and forage meet these needs.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin E are critical for bone health, egg production, and immunity.

• Water: Fresh, clean water must be available at all times. Emus drink 2–4 gallons daily, more in hot weather.

2. Commercial Feed

• Ratite-Specific Pellets: These are formulated for emus and ostriches, providing balanced nutrition. Look for brands like Mazuri or Purina Ratite Feed.

• Chicks (0–6 months): High-protein starter feed (18–20% protein).

• Juveniles (6–18 months): Grower feed (16% protein).

• Adults: Maintenance feed (14% protein), with higher protein for breeding or laying seasons.

• Feed 2–4 pounds per adult emu daily, split into two meals to prevent overeating.

3. Forage and Supplements

• Pasture: Emus love grazing on grasses, clover, and weeds. Rotate pastures to prevent overgrazing and parasite buildup.

• Vegetables and Fruits: Offer scraps like carrots, kale, apples, or zucchini as treats (in moderation to avoid digestive upset).

• Grit: Provide poultry grit to aid digestion, especially if feeding whole grains or forage.

• Calcium: Oyster shell or limestone grit supports eggshell formation for laying females.

4. Treats and Foraging

• Emus enjoy insects, small rodents, and even lizards, which provide natural protein. Encourage foraging in a safe, pesticide-free area.

• Avoid toxic foods like avocado, chocolate, or high-sugar treats.

5. Feeding Tips

• Use sturdy, low troughs or feeders to prevent tipping (emus are clumsy eaters!).

• Store feed in airtight containers to keep it fresh and pest-free.

• Monitor body condition: Emus should have a slight fat layer but not be obese. Adjust feed if they gain or lose too much weight.

Emu Housing: Creating a Safe and Comfortable Home

Emus need space to roam and sturdy, predator-proof housing. Here’s how to set up their homestead habitat:

1. Fencing and Space Requirements

• Fencing: Use 5–6-foot-high woven wire or chain-link fencing with posts buried or reinforced to prevent digging by predators (coyotes, dogs, etc.).

• Avoid barbed wire, as it can injure emus.

• Check for gaps or weak spots, as emus are curious and may escape.

• Space: Provide at least 1,500–2,000 square feet per emu pair in a pasture or run. More space encourages natural behaviors like running and foraging.

• Gates: Use wide, secure gates for easy access and to move emus without stress.

2. Shelter

• Type: A three-sided lean-to or barn works well, protecting from wind, rain, and extreme temperatures.

• Size: Allow 50–100 square feet per emu in the shelter.

• Flooring: Dirt, gravel, or sand floors are ideal, topped with straw or shavings for comfort and cleanliness.

• Ventilation: Ensure good airflow to prevent respiratory issues, but avoid drafts.

3. Pasture Management

• Rotate pastures to maintain grass cover and reduce parasites.

• Remove toxic plants (e.g., nightshade, oleander) from grazing areas.

• Provide shade trees or portable shade structures for hot days.

4. Predator Protection

• Install motion-activated lights or electric fencing for nighttime predator deterrence.

• Keep chicks in secure, enclosed pens until they’re 6 months old, as they’re vulnerable to hawks and cats.

5. Chick Housing

• Brooder: Raise chicks (0–3 months) in a warm, draft-free brooder with heat lamps (90°F for newborns, gradually reduced to 70°F by 6 weeks).

• Bedding: Use non-slip materials like rubber mats or pine shavings to prevent leg injuries.

• Space: Provide 10 square feet per chick, increasing as they grow.

6. Maintenance

• Clean shelters weekly to remove droppings and wet bedding, reducing odor and disease risk.

• Inspect fencing and structures regularly for wear or damage.

Bonus Tips for Friends of Hippie Hens Homestead

• Sustainability: Emus are eco-friendly livestock! Their oil is a natural byproduct used for skincare, their feathers can be crafted into decor, and their eggshells make stunning art pieces.

• Community: Connect with other emu owners through forums or local homesteading groups for tips and support.

• Record-Keeping: Track feed, health, and egg production in a journal to spot trends and improve care.

Final Thoughts

Raising emus on your homestead is a rewarding adventure that blends sustainability with practicality. With spacious housing, a balanced diet, and attentive care, your emus will thrive, bringing a touch of the Australian outback to Hippie Hens Homestead. Have questions or want to share your emu journey? Drop a comment on our blog or connect with us on social media!

Happy homesteading,

The Hippie Hens Homestead Team

• Sources: Information is based on general knowledge of emu husbandry, cross-referenced with best practices from agricultural resources.