How to Care For Emu Chicks: Housing, Diet & Health Tips
Emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) are the second-largest bird in the world and have become increasingly popular on farms and homesteads for their meat, oil, leather, and even their eggs. Raising emus—especially from chicks—can be rewarding, but they require a different approach than poultry like chickens or ducks.
Emu chicks grow rapidly and need careful attention to environment, nutrition, and safety during their early weeks of life. This guide will walk you through the complete process of how to care for emu chicks from hatch to adulthood.
🏠 Brooding Emu Chicks Indoors
The Importance of a Controlled Environment
Newly hatched emu chicks should be kept in a clean, draft-free indoor brooder for the first 4 to 8 weeks, depending on climate and their feather development.
Key environmental requirements:
- Temperature: Start at 90°F (32°C) during the first week, decreasing by 5°F per week.
- Heat source: Use a radiant heat panel or brooder heat lamp. Avoid hot spots or direct contact that could cause burns.
- Bedding: Use straw, paper towels, or non-slip mats. Avoid slick flooring to prevent leg injuries like splayed legs.
- Enclosure size: Provide ample room for walking to prevent leg deformities. A 4x8 ft brooder for 4–6 chicks is a good start.
Socialization & Movement
Emus are social creatures. Chicks should be raised in pairs or small groups to avoid loneliness and encourage movement, which is essential for muscle and bone development.
🌞 When to Move Emu Chicks Outside
Emu chicks can typically be moved to an outdoor pen once they are:
- At least 6–8 weeks old
- Fully feathered (with their juvenile coat)
- Night temperatures are consistently above 60°F (15°C)
Outdoor enclosure tips:
- Fencing: Emus are excellent jumpers and runners. Use 5–6 foot fencing made of woven wire or no-climb horse fencing.
- Shelter: Provide a draft-free, roofed shelter where chicks can retreat during rain or high winds.
- Space: Allow plenty of room—minimum 100 sq ft per bird for young emus, more as they grow.
🥗 What to Feed Emu Chicks at Each Growth Stage
Starter Diet (0–8 weeks)
- Emu starter feed (20–22% protein): Look for non-medicated ratite-specific feed or a turkey/gamebird starter with adjusted vitamins.
- Feeding frequency: Free-choice access is ideal.
- Water: Clean, fresh water at all times, with shallow containers to prevent drowning.
Grower Phase (8 weeks–6 months)
- Emu grower feed (16–18% protein): Transition to lower-protein feed to prevent leg issues and obesity.
- Add supplements: Sprinkle grit or crushed oyster shell once a week for digestion and bone health.
Finisher Phase (6 months–12 months)
- 15–16% protein emu maintenance feed
- Introduce pasture grazing: Safe grasses and weeds help develop healthy gut flora.
Safe Treats for Emu Chicks
Feed sparingly:
- Chopped greens (kale, spinach, clover)
- Fruit slices (apple, watermelon—no seeds)
- Vegetables (cooked sweet potato, carrots)
Avoid: Avocado, onions, chocolate, moldy or salty foods.
🚨 Common Health Concerns in Emu Chicks
Leg Issues
- Splayed legs: Often caused by slick flooring. Ensure non-slip surfaces.
- Twisted leg syndrome: Linked to nutritional deficiencies—ensure proper calcium-phosphorus ratio.
Pasty Vent or Constipation
- Caused by dehydration or poor diet. Monitor water access and avoid overfeeding treats.
Stress & Overcrowding
- Leads to stunted growth and immune suppression. Provide space, clean housing, and low-stress handling.
💉 Vaccines & Parasite Control for Emus
While vaccines for emus are less common than for chickens or turkeys, some farms vaccinate for:
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
- Newcastle Disease (in high-risk areas)
Consult a vet with avian experience for your area.
Parasite control:
- Deworming may be recommended at 3 months, and then seasonally.
- Preventative care includes clean water, regular bedding changes, and avoiding overcrowding.
📏 Monitor Growth & Development
Emus grow rapidly—reaching 5–6 feet tall in their first year. It's important to track weight, leg development, and behavior weekly during their first 6 months.
Target growth chart (approximate):
- 1 week: ~1.5 lbs
- 1 month: ~5–7 lbs
- 3 months: ~25–35 lbs
- 6 months: ~70–100 lbs
Weigh them weekly with a hanging scale or livestock scale.
📲 How FarmKeep Helps You Raise Emus Successfully
FarmKeep’s farm management app simplifies raising emus by helping you:
- 📝 Log health checks and weekly weights
- 🐣 Track hatch dates and growth milestones
- 💸 Monitor feed costs and expenses
- 📷 Upload photos of development
- 🔔 Set reminders for deworming, enclosure changes, and vet checks
Instead of juggling paper logs or spreadsheets, you can have everything in one easy-to-use app—available on desktop or mobile.
🔍 Additional Tips for Raising Emu Chicks
- Keep them dry: Emus hate wet feathers, and getting chilled can be fatal.
- Supervise kids and pets: Emus are curious but fragile when young.
- Track behavior: Signs of distress include sitting for long periods, not eating, or excessive vocalization.
📚 Helpful Resources
- Ratite Nutrition - Iowa State University Extension
- Raising Emus - American Emu Association
- FarmKeep App for Livestock Management
