Express UK Delivery
From £6.99
A Guide to Rearing & Feeding Emus
Emus are large, flightless birds native to Australia but increasingly popular on UK smallholdings and farms. Whether you’re keeping emus for their impressive eggs, unique presence, or as exotic livestock, providing the right nutrition and care at every stage of life is essential for keeping your birds healthy and thriving.
Key Nutritional Needs
Emus grow rapidly and need a balanced, high-protein diet in their early months, with a shift towards higher fibre as they mature. Their requirements are similar to other ratites (ostriches and rheas), but it’s still important to provide the right balance of protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
- Protein: Critical for chick growth and feather development
- Fibre: Important for digestion and gut health—emus naturally graze on grasses
- Calcium & Phosphorus: Essential for strong bones, especially in growing birds
- Vitamins & Minerals: Support immunity, feather quality, and overall health
Types of Feed by Life Stage
Starter Crumb (0–8 weeks):
- High-protein (18–22%) fine crumb, specially formulated for emu chicks
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals to support rapid early growth
- Feed little and often to encourage eating and reduce waste
Grower Feed (8 weeks–6 months):
- Moderate protein (16–18%), increased fibre for healthy development
- Transition gradually from crumb to pellet to avoid digestive upset
Adult Feed (6 months+):
- Maintenance pellets with higher fibre and balanced minerals
- Protein around 14–16% is usually sufficient for adults
- Supplement with chopped forage, hay, or access to pasture for enrichment
Grit & Supplements:
- Provide grit to aid digestion, especially for penned birds
- Mineral/vitamin supplements may be useful during periods of stress, breeding, or poor weather
How to Feed
-
Frequency:
- Chicks: Feed 3–4 times daily in small amounts
- Growers/Adults: 1–2 times daily, with access to forage or greens
-
Quantity:
- Follow manufacturer guidelines and adjust for age, size, and activity
-
Water:
- Fresh, clean water must always be available
- Use sturdy drinkers that cannot be tipped over
Housing & General Care
-
Space:
- Emus require large, securely fenced paddocks for exercise and wellbeing
- Overcrowding can lead to stress or aggression
-
Shelter:
- Provide dry, draught-free housing for protection from wind and rain
- Shade is important in hot weather
-
Fencing:
- Use strong, high fencing (at least 1.5–2 metres) to keep birds contained and safe
Health & Biosecurity
-
Cleanliness:
- Clean feeders and drinkers daily, and keep bedding fresh
-
Worming & Parasites:
- Regular worming and health checks recommended, especially for birds on pasture
-
Biosecurity:
- Limit contact with wild birds and rodents to reduce disease risk
- Quarantine new birds before introducing them to your main flock
Common Feeding Mistakes & FAQs
- Mistake: Feeding poultry or game bird feed—these lack the fibre and minerals needed for emus
- Mistake: Not providing enough fibre, leading to digestive issues
- Mistake: Skimping on calcium or phosphorus, risking weak bones
FAQs:
-
Can I feed emu chicks chicken or game bird crumb?
Not ideal—emus need a specialist ratite or exotic bird starter feed with higher fibre and balanced minerals. -
Do emus need grit?
Yes, especially if not free-ranging. -
How long do emu chicks stay on starter crumb?
Usually up to 8 weeks, then transition to grower feed.
Product Recommendations
Browse our full range of ostrich, emu & rhea feeds, suitable for every life stage. We also stock grit, supplements, and essentials to help your birds thrive.