A Detailed Guide to Emu Farming Techniques: How to Raise Australian Ostriches
The emu is a species native to Australia, also known as the Australian ostrich, and is one of the oldest bird species in the world. It has high economic value and is widely farmed. So, what farming techniques are there for emus? Let's find out together!
1. Site construction
Emus have very strong movement abilities and, like ostriches, are birds that quite enjoy moving around. Therefore, when building a farm, make sure there is ample space for the emus to move about, and provide good drainage and irrigation measures to ensure water does not accumulate. Plant some larger trees, flowers and plants around the farm for appropriate shade and to improve air quality, and also ensure the farm is well ventilated. Emus have relatively large bodies, so the farming density must not be too high; each emu needs enough room to grow, avoiding overcrowding that would cause them to affect each other's growth.
2. Feeding management
The feed requirements of emus change as they go through different growth stages. For example, for young emus aged 7-10 months, the feed is mainly green feed such as corn. Feeding should be done at fixed times and in fixed amounts, at least three times a day. Green feed should be chopped fairly small to prevent indigestion in the emus. Control their drinking water well: do not feed them spoiled or contaminated drinking water, and do not feed them water that has been exposed to direct sunlight, otherwise the emus easily suffer indigestion and develop some gastrointestinal diseases. In summer, with high temperatures and drought, the emus' water requirements increase greatly, so at this time you must ensure an adequate supply of clean drinking water.
3. Incubation management
Mating is relatively important for emus. First, one male emu can mate with multiple female emus. During the breeding season, fighting over courtship will occur, so we must pay special attention and it is best to separate them into pens promptly. Artificially farmed emus only reach sexual maturity at around 2 years of age. After the female emu lays eggs, she will incubate them immediately. The incubation period is about 50 days. During incubation, the temperature should be controlled at 35 degrees and the humidity at around 45%. Ensure the breeding house is well ventilated to improve air quality. Newly hatched emus need artificial warmth, and they can be taken off heat at around two months.
4. Epidemic prevention and sterilization
Although emus have relatively strong disease resistance, epidemic prevention and sterilization work must still not be relaxed. First, before feeding green feed and chopping it up, disinfect it for 8-10 minutes, then rinse off the disinfectant with clean water. Before each feeding, also clean the indoor area and the feeding utensils. Then regularly carry out comprehensive and thorough disinfection of the emu house, about once every half a month. Try to avoid visits by outsiders. The keepers must also disinfect themselves before entering the house, to isolate all disease-carrying agents, cut off sources of infection, and control the incidence of disease.
The above is the emu farming techniques shared by the editor. Hope it can help you!