Farm Emus
The emu, closely related to the ostrich, is a large, flightless bird originating from Australia. While meat and fresh eggs are obvious products of emu farming, many farmers are now raising them for emu-oil skin products and leather goods. Even their feathers and egg shells are being sold as craft products and decorations.
If you are interested in emu farming you must make quite an investment to confine, shelter, and purchase these large birds.
Instructions
1. Chose a location. Emus can be farmed on a relatively small amount of land. In fact, according to The Red Oak Farm in Tennessee, most emu ranches are between five and 10 acres. Make sure your farm includes plenty of natural vegetation and the land drains properly (inadequate drainage can breed bacteria, which in turn leads to infection.)
2. Fence them in. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, fencing should be at least 6 to 8 feet high to ensure the emus can't jump out, and the fencing should not have any large holes or gaps that they can get their heads or feet stuck in.
3. Provide adequate shelter. Emus are native to the warm climates of Australia, but according to emufacts.com, they adapt well to temperature extremes from below-zero winters to summers above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Chicks, though, should be protected from the elements until they are at least 3 months of age; after that, they can sleep outside. To protect chicks from the elements or to provide a cozy environment for older birds, construct a barn (or use a preexisting one) to provide shelter. Scatter hay or straw around the floor and install feed bins for easy access.
Make sure to regularly clean out the shelter as feces or standing water can attract insects and bacteria.
4. Learn how and what to feed your birds. Emus eat a special ratite feed, similar to chicken feed, that is high in protein. According to the Maryland Emu Association, an adult emu can eat an average of two pounds of feed per day, resulting in a food bill of at least $60 to $75 per yer per emu. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service offers a detailed table of nutritional guidelines for emus.
5. Obtain your first emu. You will have to decide if you want to purchase eggs and hatch chicks or if you want to purchase older emus who are proven breeders. Adult emus can cost several thousand dollars apiece.
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