EMU ( pronounced ee-mews), native to Australia, are the world's second-largest
living members of the ratite ( ra-tight ) family of flightless birds. Others
include the ostrich from Africa, rhea ( ree-ha ) from South America, cassowary
( cas-o-werry ) from Australia and New Guinea and Kiwi ( kee-wee), from New
Zealand.
EMU were originally imported to the United
States from 1930 to 1950 as exotic zoo stock. In 1960, the EMU was designated
Australia's national bird, and an Australia government ban on exporting the
EMU has been in effect for over 30 years.
The expanding EMU inventory in the United States
in domestically bred. As research and sharing of knowledge increase, the American
EMU is emerging as the industry standard. The American breeder market is vigorous
and can be made profitable for small and large participants.
EMU are curious and docile. They are about
10-inches tall at birth, with black and white stripes. As 3 months old chicks,
they turn nearly solid black and change into a tan, brown and black mixture
as adults, some having a bluish neck. The feathers are downy, with no stiff
vein running through the center.
The mature EMU is 5 to 6 feet tall and normally
weighs 90 to 140 pounds. Flightless, they are strong runners and reach ground
speeds of up to 40 miles per hour in short bursts, convering about nine feet
in stride.
EMU adapt well from temperature extremes in
excess of 100 degrees/F to below zero. No diseases have yet been diagnosed
as common to the species. They can exist on a simple diet and require a lot
of water, drinking 2 to 4 gallons daily. They also will play in water or mud.
The EMU hen can be productive for 25 to 35
years or more and may lay 20 to 50 eggs in a season. A hen may lay as early
as 18 months, but normally laying begins at 2 to 3 years old.
Pairs normally breed from October to April,
usally produce one egg every three days. Incubation time is 49 - 52 days and
the percentage of eggs hatched is apporximately 70 - 80%. Chick survival rates
on EMU are excellent. We cannot over emphasize the hardiness of the EMU. These
birds have been traced back 80 million years.
The avocado green egg normally hatches in 52
days, producing a chick which will walk within hours and run within days.
The chicks achieve rapid growth, gaining their height by one year of age.
After six months, the birds have shed most of their feathers for the fluffy,
elegant feathers of the adult. For most climate comditions, the birds need
shelter during the first few months. The birds are a very hardy and adaptable
bird.
For today's
INDIA farmers/rancher/homesteader,
EMU farming offers an alternative cash crop. With minimal investment in facilities
and land area, excellent feed conversion ratio, and an established worldwide
market, the EMU will provide a stable cash return to it's owner now and in
the years to come.