How to Start an Emu Farm

Starting an emu farm is a big decision that requires planning and preparation. Once you have created a budget and committed to farming emus, you are ready to prepare your land and buy your supplies. It will pay off personally and financially to make smart decisions about your emu's environment and nourishment.

Things You'll Need

• Land
• Pens
• Shelters
• Stock
• Feed
• Incubator
• Hatcher

Instructions

1. Dedicate 5 to 10 acres of land to start your emu farm.

2. Visit some local emu farms for ideas on pen and shelter layout, feed, fencing options and other equipment like incubators and hatchers.

3. Decide the type and layout of your emu pens. Personal choice dictates much of this, however, if you are trying to make the most of your acreage, a wagon-wheel design may be the best choice.

4. Build pens and shelters. Consider how much natural shade and drainage you have in your pens. You may need to plant trees or adjust your site based on these two factors

5. Choose and purchase your foundation stock. Quality emus are essential for a foundation stock so buy from reputable farmers. The cost is higher for quality birds, but the result is well worth the price.

6. Buy quality ratite feed. Choose feed with high nutritional content since emus will usually eat until they get the right amount of nutrition. Choosing a lower quality feed may actually end up costing more, since the emus will eat more.

7. Purchase an incubator and hatcher. These are essential tools for breeding emus.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are not already in the farming business, check with your local zoning commission before starting your emu farm.

• Emu pens should be at least 30 by 100 feet, and shelters should be at least 8 by 8 feet.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• You can learn more about emu farming and the emu-breeding industry at aea-emu.org.
• For ideas on pen layout and other emu-farming information, go to redoakfarm.com.