Raising Emus: Fun, Fascinating, and Surprisingly Practical for the Family Farm
Looking for something a little different to add to your farm or homestead? Let us introduce you to one of the most unique and surprisingly practical animals we raise here at Abbott Family Farm—the emu.
Yes, emus! These giant, flightless birds may look prehistoric, but they’re hardy, low-maintenance, and full of personality. Whether you’re looking for a conversation starter, an egg producer, or a functional addition to your farm, emus might just surprise you.
🦤 What Is an Emu?
The emu is the second-largest bird in the world—native to Australia but now raised on farms across the U.S. These birds can reach up to 6 feet tall and weigh between 90–120 lbs, yet they are incredibly gentle when raised with care.
Emus have soft feathers, strong legs, and a curious nature. And while they can look intimidating, most emus raised around people are calm, friendly, and even affectionate with their caretakers.
☀️ Emus in the Summer: Heat-Hardy and Low-Maintenance
One of the reasons emus are such a great summer animal? They handle heat like champs. With their native habitat being the hot, dry outback of Australia, emus are naturally adapted to high temperatures. On our farm, they thrive in the summer months with access to shade, clean water, and space to roam.
They also require:
Very little supplemental feed
Minimal shelter needs
Secure fencing (they’re excellent runners but not flyers!)
🥚 Why Do People Raise Emus?
Besides their striking appearance and engaging personalities, emus offer several practical benefits:
Egg Production – Emu eggs are massive, beautiful dark green, and laid seasonally. One egg can feed a family!
Meat – Emu meat is lean, red, and often considered a healthy alternative to beef.
Oil – Emu oil is used in skincare and wellness products.
Companionship – Many small farms simply enjoy emus as exotic, easygoing pasture pets.
Their versatility makes them a great fit for homesteaders looking to diversify.
👧 Great for Farm Families
We’ve found emus to be both entertaining and educational, especially for families with kids. Ours enjoy following us around during chores, investigating tools, and even “talking” to our goats and sheep.
🐣 Emu Chicks at Abbott Family Farm
Each season, we hatch emu chicks—raised carefully from day one to be healthy, alert, and well-adjusted to farm life.
If you’re curious about adding emus to your property, or if you’ve been thinking about hatching your own flock, we’d love to chat with you!
👉 Email us to learn more about upcoming availability, care tips, or to ask if emus are a good fit for your farm.
🌿 Big Birds, Big Personalities
Emus may not be your typical farm animal, but they’re quickly becoming a favorite here at Abbott Family Farm. From their quirky behavior to their practical uses, these birds add a touch of the unexpected—and a lot of charm—to our daily routine.
Ready to learn more or reserve a chick?
📩 Reach out to us here or visit our Livestock page to explore more animals we raise.