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| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS >> |
What is an emu?
How large are emus?
Are emus friendly?
How do emus react to our climate?
What type of facilities are needed for emus?
What do you feed an emu?
When is the laying season?
How many eggs does an emu hen lay?
How long do you incubate an egg?
Who buys emus?
What is the market like at the present time?
Once the commercial market is reached, what will be produced?
Where can I purchase any of the above products?
How can I find out more about emus and who is in my local area?
What is an emu?
A large, gentle, flightless bird, the emu is native to Australia
and belongs to the ratite family which also includes the ostrich,
rhea, cassowary and kiwi.
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How large are emus?
An adult emu weighs 125-150 pounds and stands 5 - 6 feet tall.
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Are emus friendly?
Unlike other ratites, most emu are friendly and tame.
They love to be petted on their necks and hosed
off during the hot summer months. Emus are very docile and
have an amusing curiosity, each with it's own personality.
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How do emus react to our climate?
Emu are very hardy and disease resistant animals
which can tolerate the extremes of hot and cold
temperatures.
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What type of facilities are needed for emus?
Breeders need a three-sided shelter and a six foot high
fence. They can be maintained in pens as small as 15' x 80'
or as large as desired, with the length more important than
the width.
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What do you feed an emu?
Many companies now manufacture a ratite feed specifically
formulated for emus. An adult emu will eat an average of two pounds
of feed per day, costing about $60.00 - $75.00 per year.
They also enjoy a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, if
available, and will consume grasses, bugs, insects, worms,
etc., within their pen. Fresh water should be
available at all times.
Emus have an excellent feed to weight conversion factor.
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When is the laying season?
Depending on the pair, laying begins as early as October
and continues to as late as May. Most laying seasons last
three to five months.
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How many eggs does an emu hen lay?
The average hen will lay 20 - 40 eggs per season, laying
an egg every three to four days, usually at dusk. Breeders
may continue to lay for 20 - 30 years.
Each egg weighs about 600 grams.
Example: Hillary
Daye with an egg.
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How long do you incubate an egg?
Most breeders incubate for 48 to 56 days. Since the
eggs are dark green in color, they cannot be candled.
Instead, breeders tap the egg and watch for movement
or use a night scope and a heavy-duty MagLight.
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Who buys emus?
Farmers and Ranchers interested in alternative
agriculture, exotic animal breeders, professionals
interested in changing their lifestyles,
entrepreneurs - anyone who enjoys the birds.
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What is the market like at the present time?
There is a good supply of breeding stock and the price is right!
New oil products are entering the market regularly, and the meat is being found in
more restaurants and markets. The leather, feathers
and eggs are increasingly sought by the consumer for their
unique properties.
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What are the major products?
| OIL: |
Fat deposits in the emus back produce 4 - 5 liters of deep penetrating,
hypo-allergenic oil which is used in cosmetic products.
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| MEAT: |
The meat is a red meat, low in fat, calories and cholesterol while
high in protein and iron ---- a Heart Healthy Food.
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| LEATHER: |
Emu leather is soft, pliable yet durable, and is used for boots,
briefcases, purses and clothing.
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| FEATHERS: |
The feathers are easily dyed and used for fashion clothing accessories,
fishing lures and flower arrangements. Emu feathers are oil free.
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| EGGS: |
Emu eggs are delicious to eat. The eggshells can be painted, carved, decorated and used in the crafting
of exquisite works of art. Broken shells can be made into jewelry,
fashion accessories and other objects.
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Where can I purchase any of the above products?
Emu products can be purchased and/or previewed by asking
your nearest emu grower for a product sellers list.
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How can I find out more about emus and who is in my local area?
Go to CONTACT on the left navigation bar.
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