Bringing home a new emu chick is exciting! This guide covers everything you need for the first week and beyond — feeding, housing, and daily care — in a quick, easy-to-follow format.
🏠 1️⃣ Brooder Setup
Space & Safety
Use a secure brooder or pen (2’x2’ minimum for one chick).
Keep it predator-free — away from dogs, cats, and other animals.
Ensure no sharp edges or gaps where the chick could get stuck.
Bedding
Safe options: pine shavings, straw, dirt, carpet, textured shelf/drawer liners or paper towels.
Avoid slippery surfaces — chicks can easily injure themselves.
Temperature
Week 1–2: 95°F (35°C)
Reduce 5°F per week until chicks are fully feathered (~70–75°F).
Provide a cool area so the chick can move away from heat.
Lighting
Use a brooder lamp or heat lamp.
Maintain a day/night rhythm.
🍽 2️⃣ Feeding Your Emu Chick
Starter Feed
Use high-protein (18–22%) unmedicated chick crumbles or emu starter feed.
Feed fresh daily; remove moldy or wet feed.
Water
Provide clean, fresh water at all times.
Use deep, heavy water dishes, ones that attach to the wall or a duck waterer.
Supplements
Chick Probiotic vitamins/minerals for the first 2 months.
Avoid treats and table scraps during the first few months.
Quick Tip: Healthy chicks are active, alert, and eating frequently.
🧼 3️⃣ Daily Care
Environment Check
Cold signs: huddling, shivering, lethargy
Heat stress signs: panting, wings spread, lethargy
Handling
Handle gently and briefly to reduce stress.
Gradually increase handling as chick gets used to humans.
Cleaning
Remove soiled bedding daily.
Clean feeders and waterers daily.
🌞 4️⃣ Transitioning Outdoors
Chicks fully feathered (~10–12 weeks) can start outdoor time.
Increase outdoor time gradually.
Ensure secure fencing — emus run and jump even as juveniles.
Quick Tip: Supervise outdoor time to prevent injury or escape.
❓ 5️⃣ Common Questions
Can I mix chicks with older emus?
Chicks that are together should be relatively the same size
Not until chicks are stronger; older birds may bully them.
How fast do emu chicks grow?
Very fast! They can double in size each month for the first few months.
What if my chick seems sick?
Contact a vet experienced with exotic birds or emus.
Keep your chick warm, hydrated, and isolated until guidance is received.
✅ 6️⃣ First Week Checklist
Brooder ready with bedding, heat, and light
Fresh starter feed in place
Clean, deep water dish filled (emus scoop water)
Check temperature several times daily
Remove soiled bedding daily
Handle gently, short periods only