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A Guide to Rearing & Feeding Rheas
Rheas are large, flightless birds native to South America but increasingly seen on UK smallholdings and farms. Whether you’re keeping them for their striking appearance, eggs, or as exotic livestock, providing the right nutrition and care is key to raising healthy, thriving birds.
Key Nutritional Needs
Rheas grow quickly and need a balanced, high-protein diet in their early months, with more fibre as they mature. Their dietary needs are similar to other ratites like ostriches and emus, but they tend to be slightly lighter and may require a little less protein as adults.
- Protein: Vital for growth, muscle, and feather development (especially in chicks)
- Fibre: Important for digestion and gut health—rheas naturally graze on grasses
- Calcium & Phosphorus: Essential for bone strength, especially in growing birds
- Vitamins & Minerals: Support immunity, feather quality, and overall wellbeing
Types of Feed by Life Stage
Starter Crumb (0–8 weeks):
- High-protein (18–22%) fine crumb, suitable for rhea chicks
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals
- Feed little and often to encourage eating and minimise waste
Grower Feed (8 weeks–6 months):
- Moderate protein (16–18%), higher fibre to support healthy development
- Gradually transition from crumb to pellet to avoid digestive upset
Adult Feed (6 months+):
- Maintenance pellets with increased 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 can be helpful during periods of stress, breeding, or poor weather
How to Feed
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Frequency:
- Chicks: Feed 3–4 times daily in small amounts
- Growers/Adults: 1–2 times daily, with constant access to forage if possible
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Quantity:
- Follow manufacturer guidelines and adjust for age, size, and activity level
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Water:
- Fresh, clean water must always be available
- Use sturdy drinkers that are difficult to tip over
Housing & General Care
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Space:
- Rheas require large, securely fenced paddocks for exercise and wellbeing
- Overcrowding can lead to stress and aggression
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Shelter:
- Provide dry, draught-free housing for protection from wind and rain
- Shade is important in hot weather
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Fencing:
- Use strong, high fencing (at least 1.5–2 metres) to keep birds contained and safe
Health & Biosecurity
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Cleanliness:
- Clean feeders and drinkers daily, and keep bedding fresh
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Worming & Parasites:
- Regular worming and health checks are recommended, especially for birds on pasture
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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 rheas
- Mistake: Not providing enough fibre, leading to digestive issues
- Mistake: Skimping on calcium or phosphorus, risking weak bones
FAQs:
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Can I feed rhea chicks chicken or game bird crumb?
Not ideal—rheas need a specialist ratite or exotic bird starter feed with higher fibre and balanced minerals. -
Do rheas need grit?
Yes, especially if not free-ranging. -
How long do rhea chicks stay on starter crumb?
Usually up to 8 weeks, then transition to grower feed.
Product Recommendations & Internal Links
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.