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Emu Facts |
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| 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 the Government of Australia was banned the export of the emu’s.
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 100 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 adopt 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 years or more and may lay 20 to 30 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 48 - 52 days and the percentage of eggs hatched is apporximately 70 % . 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 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, 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.
The Indian Government had in listed emu farming in poultry sector . and also providing loans under venture capital funds.
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Here are a few basic facts about our favorite Emu
| Height at birth : | 8 - 10 inches | | Adult Height : | 5 - 6 feet tall | | Adult weight : | 100 - 140 pounds | | Colour : | Black and Brown | | Health : | Generally Robust, Hardy | | Temperament : | Friendly, Docile | | Lifespan : | 30years (appro) | | Breeding Method : | Mated in pairs | | Productive years : | Up to 25 years | | Eggs per year : | 10 to 20 eggs in the first breedingseason, gradually increases up to 20-30 eggs in subsequent breeding seasons | | Age at slughter | 16 � 18 months | | Incubation Period : | 48 - 52 days | | Percentage of eggs hatched : | Approximately 70 percent | | Space per Adult bird | 600 sft red and hardy soil |
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