These grand,imposing, flightless birdsare probably as tall or taller than you. Some folks consider them pets, some consider them products. Whichever, we'llstart with a brief description, then recommendthe right fence,followed by explainingthis bird's unique nesting habits.
How big is big?
Obviously, if you're choosing an emu as a pet, your taste issomewhat extravagant and you no doubt realize that an appropriate space for this very large bird should be one of your first concerns. Here are some considerations:
- They range from 5 to 6 feet tall
- weighingup to 130 lbs
- They can run up to 30 miles per hour
- Imagine these big birds traveling hundreds of miles for food and water in the Australian outback.They need spaceand for healthy birds, you must provide an opportunity for exercise. A long pen is recommended so they can run--at least acre to 2 acres in size.
- Audible--their grunts and squawks can be heard up to 2 miles away. You might want to think about your neighbors as you plan your emu enclave.
- Emus are especially docile toward humans especially if they are handled from birth. If an emu feels threatened, its claws can do real damage. Other small animals in the yard, such as chickens, can be trampled.
- They like baths and enjoyan occasional dip. In a pinch, a child's paddling pool can suffice.
Now, about that fence...
Your emu will benefit from a2" x 4" woven, non-climbablemesh fence that is five to six feet high. It is attractive, has a long lifetime, and makes a safe and secure fence for emus. The strong 10, 12 or14 gauge steel wires (depending on style) are treatedfor maximum rust and corrosion protection. The heavier wires used on the top and bottom edges givethis fence additional strength. Stiff "square" knots, formed by a third piece of wire woven around each intersection, hold the horizontal and vertical wires securely. The meshoffers flexibility,allowing forits construction onuneven terrain. The woven knots are rust-resistant and will not hold water. This fence features knots that are smooth,which protectboth animals and people from injury.
The Broody Male
Females are larger than males andcan exhibit aggressive behavior, especially during breeding season. They lay their eggs and wander off, leaving the malesin charge of the nursery.The males build their nests in a shallow hole in the ground using grasses, leaves, and sticks. After the female lays her eggs, the male steps in. He becomes broody and takes control, remaining onthe nest for 8 weeks untilthe emuchickshatch.
Generally, the males may seem friendlier,being the nest tenders--yet much more defensive of the newly hatched chicksthan of the eggs which can be removed from the nest without much upset. The maledoesn't leave the nest, his sole activity (no eating, drinking or even defecating!) is to turnthe eggs a couple of times a day and understandably,during this stretch of time, he loses a third of his body weight. Once hatched, they willremain with their father up to a year and a half andare ready for breedingbetweentwo and three years of age.
Whilethe female usually abandons this domestic scene, she goeson to mate with other males and will produce up tothree clutches (between 5 and 15 eggs in a season.) In her wandering, the female may deposit eggs in the nests of males with whom she hasn't bred. The large eggs weigh about a pound, are teal in color, and measure about 3 inches wide and 5 inches long. Thinking culinarily, a single egg contains the equivalent of 10-12 chicken eggswith a richness similar to duck eggs.
Assorted Emu Facts
- Emus are in the family of originally southern hemisphere flightless birds known as ratites which include ostriches, kiwis, rheas, and the cassowary.
- They are omnivores.
- Their diet consists ofnuts,seeds, fruit, bark, stems, insects, small reptiles, amphibians, and small animals.
- One mature emu containsthree gallons of oil, which is prized for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- They spend a good amount of their days pecking at things, quite indiscriminately; so an environment that provides foraging possibilities, with plenty of shrubs, dirt (they extract minerals),pebbles(used for digestion), and insects, will keep them occupied, reduce boredom and may decrease pecking of the fence.
- Pens must be kept clear of any trash, wires, nails, etc,to avoid trips to the vet.
- Pacingcan be a sign of stress due to being confined.
- In thebush of Australia, the usual predators of emus are dingos, the native wild dogs. Eagles can also attack from above. The eggs and smaller chicks aresoughtby a number of animals and reptiles, but the ever-vigilant male rarely allows opportunity.
- Life expectancy of an emu is 10 to 20 years in the wild and up to 30 years in captivity.
The Australian Coat of Arms
Note: if you're interested in keeping ostriches, fence-wise, much of what applies to emus applies to them. And know that a2" x 4" woven, non-climbablemesh fenceis alsoused for:
? Garden fence
? Horse paddock fence
? Parks and public areas
? Dog kennels and containment
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