Emu Acres
The 2024/25 Emu breeding season starts up in November '24. Reservations list is now open.
Our Blonde / South African crosses will be available this season!!!!
Please visit all pages on our website for valuable Emu info and learn
how the Emu can help protect your livestock.
Click on CONTACT US above to make your reservation.
Welcome to Emu Acres . . .
Located in the Ocala, Florida area, Emu Acres is home to 28 Emus (so far!). In 2023 we introduced blondes to our breeding program and we are excited to offer our 6th bloodline hatchings during the 2024/25 breeding season. This is our newest bloodline that has incorporated our South African Emus with our Blonde Emus.
We do not raise our Emus for meat, although it is a fact that Emu meat is very low in cholesterol and fat making it a healthy alternative to beef. We just happen to love our mob too much to consider putting them into the freezer. They have been our pets for many years.
Emus make wonderful pets, but one must always use precautions when interacting with an Emu. They are strong birds and their talons are razor sharp. They can be natural protectors of livestock when grouped together - but there have been cases where a lone Emu did not survive an attack by a coyote or bobcat. The young Emu should always be locked up securely at night to protect them from predators. They are curious birds and we often spot them investigating our dogs and the neighbor's horses through the fences. But beware! Emus love everything that shines! Your glasses, your jewelry, even your nail polish! The Emu is totally fascinated by anything shiny. They may peck at shiny things, but not hard enough to break human skin. They are also very good at untying shoe laces! Emu Acres strongly encourages socialization of all Emus, right from the time they come into the world. They bond very quickly to their humans, but they are a wild animal. We encourage constant interaction with your Emus. They love a neck or ear rub and you will find the Emu is a very social bird who will hang over your shoulder to inspect your handiwork as you work within their paddock (hide those nails and screwdrivers!!). Check out our videos for the Petting Poop video. We do not release our chicks to their new homes until they are almost three weeks of age. This ensures they are eating and drinking properly, their legs are straight (not splayed), and they are well socialized. The baby Emu starts to investigate food at about 3 days of age and we start them off with food processed kale. They quickly migrate within a few days to NON MEDICATED chick starter crumbles. This bowl is never empty as the chick starter has the required protein which the Kale doesn't offer. The Kale is then fed twice a day. Always ensure you use non medicated chick starter crumbles as the medicated formula prohibits the baby Emu from absorbing necessary vitamins which can lead to poor nourishment problems. By week 3 they love to pulverize watermelon chunks and blueberries!
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