is it a good idea to have a pet emu?

Question

could anyone tell me if an emu would be a good pet, considering it being in a 400 m2 space? and not just to have it there, but to interact with other people and maybe animals, I'd like an answer from someone who has been with them also, and not just a "yes theyre wonderful" response but the pros and cons, are they smart? how do they smell, would they be aggressive in any situation if you raise them from chicks, etc

Answer 1

Check these websites out:

http://www.emusupply.com/emus_as_pets.htm

http://www.sybilsden.com/emu/emumain.htm

http://www.emuofvirginia.com/farm.htm

http://www.oaklandzoo.org/atoz/azemu.html

You might want to talk to the people who have these websites and have Emu Farms. they would be in the best position to tell you if what you have in mind is going to work.
From what I have been able to research, it doesn't sound like they would be particularly friendly companions.

Answer 2

They are huge, so I assume you live on an acreage, so that the emu would have plenty of room. They can get lonely, so people often have more than one. They can be quite aggressive and should only be handled by those people who are very experienced with large creatures/birds. They can hurt other animals and/or people very badly and really need to be brought up around other emu and with the people who are going to keep them. Do plenty of research!!!! This is not something you should go into lightly! Good luck!

Answer 3

I had a pair of emus. Very smart and beautiful. Their movement of walking and running is GREAT. I would turn them out in the pasture days and night my dog and I would call them in. At first we had to walk out and herd them back. I could brush and love on the male but the female was a ***** to deal with.As time went on they killed the neighbors dogs, my cat, my chickens, my other farm birds, they would even jump up in the air and got the silly wild birds. They never bothered my goats or horses. I sold them and the people who got them raised babies with them. Funny thing is the male sits on the eggs and hatches the babies.The female is just stuck up! My male peacock was the only bird who fought them and won. The emus were scared of him. He is awesome. now that is a nice bird to get.

Answer 4

My neighbor had a couple of emus. They don't make good pets, but they are good with warding off coyotes, they will chase them down and kill them. They tend to be very aggressive even when my neighbor would go to feed them. If you have small livestock they will try to attack them.
I wouldn't suggest them for people or animal interaction, he got rid of his after a couple of months because of the aggressiveness.

Answer 5

Ever been pecked by an Emu? Ow:( Their toenails are very sharp too..they can cut ya pretty good. Considering these are -for the most- aggressive...I would recommend something else.

Answer 6

probably not considering their size, and stat of agressivness. You might try it, but i wouldnt, it migh become very aggressive, and could harm you, if you do try it, good luck, and cunsolt your local vet.
yes, they do smell, i raised them on a farm here in california, i have been "attacked" by them 2 times, one of those two times i had to get 26 stiches... but thats because i tried to run from it.

it migght need more space than 400m2, but you most certainly could give it a shot... and the eggs are vry big, and delicious.

Answer 7

Before you go a get an exotic animal. Check your local animal control to make sure it is legal for you to own that animal.

Answer 8

I hear they like to try to have sex with humans. No joke! I saw something on t.v. about it once.

Answer 9

All I know for sure, is that they taste really good!