History of the emeu

The emeu belongs to a group of birds collectively known as Ratites and shares this designation with the ostrich, rhea, cassowary, and kiwi. It is considere to be one of the closest living relatives of the dinosaur.

They may be traced back some 64 million years to the first members of this group archaeopteryx. Today only one species of emeu survives -- Dromaius novaehollandiae. Today's emeu is the world's second largest living bird.

The emeu is native to Australia and sits on the right hand side of the Australian Coat of Arms, with the kangaroo on the left. This ancient creature has played a significant role in the lives of the native people of Australia, the aborigines.

The emeu provided a means of survival to these native people in the form of both food and medicine. Literature indicates the fat from the emeu aided the aborigines in the treatment of skin ailments; as a skin protectant and sunscreen; as a burn treatment; arthritis treatment and as a skin moisturizer.

Native to Australia, the emeu arrived in North America in the early 1930's. From 1930 to 1950, the emeu, of the same family as the ostrich, was a major attraction in zoos due to its unique appearance. The emeu adapted quite well to the North American climate.

After its designation on the Coat of Arms of Australia, the government banned all exports from its continent. Those interested in farming the emeu had to purchase the birds from Europe. Over time, emeu farms appeared over North America as this animal's appearance aroused curiosity.

Reproduction of the emeu

The emeu reaches maturity between 18 months and 3 years, generally around 24 months. Mating season for the emeu is in the winter months. The adult female emeu can lay 20 to 50 eggs per season. In the wild, the male emeu would incubate the eggs and the female would stop laying after 10 to 12 eggs. The male would also be responsible for raising the young ones. An average egg weighs between 500 and 700 grams. The color of the eggs is normally emerald green. The eggs can be stored for several weeks at temperatures between 10° to 15° C (50° to 60° F).

For best results in incubating, it is recommended to keep the eggs at a temperature of approximately 36.4° C (97.5° F). Hatching occurs around day 50 of incubation. At birth, the emeu chick stands at 20 to 25 cm (8" to 10") in height. The stripes on the soft plumage of the emeu chick will disappear by the time it reaches 3 months of age.

Raising emeus

According to experts, many factors must be observed and respected for successfully raising emeus. For the best results, the following are very important factors : reproduction, incubation, nutrition, record keeping, animal knowledge, and management techniques. Animal selection, living conditions and cleanliness are also important.

Physical traits of the emeu

As part of the ratite family, the emeu is a close relative of the ostrich. The emeu stands at a height of 1.5 to 1.8 meters (5 to 6 feet) and weighs 50 to 63.6 kg (110 to 140 lbs). With its long legs, equipped with three toes, the emeu can run up to 60 km/h. In general, the emeu is a docile bird, thus making it fairly easy for the farmer to handle.