Emus

[Altair]

A friend of mine in Texas is looking into buying one and I'm scrounging to help with any info I can find about them. Is one fine to own or should they be in pairs/groups, feed costs, temperament, quirks, illnesses, etc.

[Patrick]

You're asking quite a bit in one post. As with any other animal, there are volumes written on the subject. Any social animal should be kept with companionship. Emus can be very tricky to introduce to strange birds, either of their own species or not, especially one on one, or in small pens. They're the least aggressive of all of the ratites, with humans. They are not very intelligent, and cannot be herded, but they are very hardy, from the desert to the mountains. About the only major disease threat that they have is EEE, for which they are extremely suseptible. They should be vaccinated for it.

[Patrick]

You're asking quite a bit in one post. As with any other animal, there are volumes written on the subject. Any social animal should be kept with companionship. Emus can be very tricky to introduce to strange birds, either of their own species or not, especially one on one, or in small pens. They're the least aggressive of all of the ratites, with humans. They are not very intelligent, and cannot be herded, but they are very hardy, from the desert to the mountains. About the only major disease threat that they have is EEE, for which they are extremely suseptible. They should be vaccinated for it.

[Altair]

Apparently ratites are much more common in Texas which is good for my friend. I passed along your advice she conveyed her thanks.