Emus are primarily herbivores (plant-eaters). They eat grass, seeds, flowers, young plants, and fruit. They also eat some insects (including caterpillars & grass hopper). They swallow small stones (called gastroliths or gizzard stones) which stay in the gizzard and help grind up food.
Commercial feeds may be formulated fed as starter, grower, breeder, maintenance and finisher. Usually by 3rd or 4th day chicks able to pick up food from ground ,during this period yolk sac help them. Most companies making it crumble(crushed) form for chick to pick up. at about 3 months they could be graduated to grower which is normally a larger pellet then after it may be changed to finisher form for the birds to process at 14-16 months.
Floor space: this is the rule of thumb one breeding pair require 100x25 ft. Colony pen require 100ftx100 ft for 4 breeding pairs. Chick take up less place but as they grow their area should increase Chick out door may need 30-40 ft. Three to six month old chicks need 1000 ft to run .Grow out pens seems to work well with 40birds in 40 ft x100 ft.
Sexual identification:
Distinguishing between male and female is very difficult but one thing noticeable to the professionals the lower leg. The male usually has a shorter leg than the female. Secondly female having air sac which hangs down from the chest area. This hangs even more during breeding season. Thirdly female emu makes natural booming sound where as male emits grunting sound.
Catching of emu:
For catching emu never use ropes, It is advisable to use leather gloves. To handle the bird it is best to move close to a chain link ,welded wire or non climb wire fence ,catch it while it goes by, getting behind it and grabbing the two small wings, other wise nail of the three toes are like razors which may cut very deep injuries.
Diseases :Emu are highly susceptible to encephalomyelitis. They receive it from horses, flying birds. It is not transmissible to human. Equine triple E vaccination have worked well against this disease. Other common diseases have to be followed.
Commercial feeds may be formulated fed as starter, grower, breeder, maintenance and finisher. Usually by 3rd or 4th day chicks able to pick up food from ground ,during this period yolk sac help them. Most companies making it crumble(crushed) form for chick to pick up. at about 3 months they could be graduated to grower which is normally a larger pellet then after it may be changed to finisher form for the birds to process at 14-16 months.
Floor space: this is the rule of thumb one breeding pair require 100x25 ft. Colony pen require 100ftx100 ft for 4 breeding pairs. Chick take up less place but as they grow their area should increase Chick out door may need 30-40 ft. Three to six month old chicks need 1000 ft to run .Grow out pens seems to work well with 40birds in 40 ft x100 ft.
Sexual identification:
Distinguishing between male and female is very difficult but one thing noticeable to the professionals the lower leg. The male usually has a shorter leg than the female. Secondly female having air sac which hangs down from the chest area. This hangs even more during breeding season. Thirdly female emu makes natural booming sound where as male emits grunting sound.
Catching of emu:
For catching emu never use ropes, It is advisable to use leather gloves. To handle the bird it is best to move close to a chain link ,welded wire or non climb wire fence ,catch it while it goes by, getting behind it and grabbing the two small wings, other wise nail of the three toes are like razors which may cut very deep injuries.
Diseases :Emu are highly susceptible to encephalomyelitis. They receive it from horses, flying birds. It is not transmissible to human. Equine triple E vaccination have worked well against this disease. Other common diseases have to be followed.
No comments:
Post a Comment