The Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is the second-largest bird in the world and a fascinating addition to any farm, homestead, or exotic livestock collection. Native to Australia and known for their gentle nature, emus are flightless birds with long, powerful legs that make them excellent runners—capable of speeds up to 30 miles per hour. Their unique appearance, curious personality, and adaptability have made them increasingly popular among American farmers and breeders.
Emus are hardy, low-maintenance birds that thrive in a variety of climates, making them well-suited for both warm and cooler regions of the United States. They are raised for multiple purposes—meat, oil, leather, feathers, and breeding—and have also become beloved as companion and display animals due to their docile temperament when properly handled from a young age.
A mature emu stands between 5 to 6.5 feet tall and can weigh anywhere from 90 to 140 pounds. They are long-lived birds, often reaching 20 years or more, and can begin breeding around two years of age. Emus are typically monogamous during breeding season, and the males take responsibility for incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks once hatched.
Their diet mainly consists of grasses, grains, fruits, insects, and commercial ratite feed, making them easy to feed alongside other farm animals. Emus also play a helpful role in maintaining pasture health by controlling weeds and insects.
Whether you are interested in raising emus for commercial purposes, adding them as exotic pasture animals, or simply want to experience the charm of these remarkable birds, emus are a rewarding and unique choice. Their striking looks, resilience, and calm disposition make them a standout addition to any farm.
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✅ Key Highlights
• Large, flightless bird native to Australia
• Adaptable to most U.S. climates
• Provides meat, oil, leather, and feathers
• Gentle temperament when raised from chicks
• Males incubate and care for the eggs
• Excellent for breeding, farming, or as exotic livestock



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