Emu Facts
EMU (pronounced ee-mews), native to Australia, are the world's second-largest living members of the ratite (ra-tight) family of flightless birds. Others include the ostrich from Africa, rhea (ree-uh) from South America, cassowary (cas-o-werry) from Australia and New Guinea and kiwi (kee-wee), from New Zealand.
EMU were originally imported to the United States from 1930 to 1950 as exotic zoo stock. In 1960, the EMU was designated Australia's national bird, and an Australian government ban on exporting the EMU has been in effect for over 30 years.
The expanding EMU inventory in the United States is domestically bred. As research and sharing of knowledge increase, the American EMU is emerging as the industry standard. The American breeder market is vigorous and can be made profitable for small and large participants.
EMU are curious and docile. They are about 10 inches tall at birth, with black and white stripes. As 3 month old chicks, they turn nearly solid black and change into a tan, brown and black mixture as adults, some having a bluish neck. The feathers are downy, with no stiff vein running through the center.
The mature EMU is 5 to 6 feet tall and normally weighs 90 to 140 pounds. Flightless, they are strong runners and reach ground speeds of up to 40 miles per hour in short bursts, covering about nine feet in stride.
EMU adapt well from temperature extremes in excess of 100 degrees to below zero. No diseases have yet been diagnosed as common to the species. They can exist on a simple diet and require a lot of water, drinking 2 to 4 gallons daily. They also will play in water or mud.
The EMU hen can be productive for 25 to 35 years or more and may lay 20 to 50 eggs in a season. A hen may lay as early as 18 months, but normally laying begins at 2 to 3 years old.
Pairs normally breed from October to April, usually producing one egg every three days. Incubation time is 49 - 52 days and the percentage of eggs hatched is approximately 70 - 80%. Chick survival rates on EMU are excellent. We can not over emphasize the hardiness of the EMU. These birds have been traced back 80 million years.
The avocado green egg normally hatches in 52 days, producing a chick which will walk within hours and run within days. The chicks achieve rapid growth, gaining their height by one year of age. After six months, the birds have shed most of their chick feathers for the fluffy, elegant feathers of the adult. For most climate conditions, the birds need shelter during the first few months. The birds are a very hardy and adaptable bird.
For today's U.S. farmer / rancher / homesteader, EMU farming offers an alternative cash crop. With minimal investment in facilities and land area, excellent feed conversion ratio, and an established worldwide market, the EMU will provide a stable cash return to its' owners now and in the years to come.
The top ten reasons why you should eat EMU meat.
Emu Oil - The Wonder Oil From Down Under
EMU OIL is one of the most exciting and vital products generated from the native Australian bird known as the "EMU." The EMU is the second largest living bird on earth standing on average 5'6" tall and weighing approximately 150 lbs. Besides the oil, the EMU also produces a red, low cholesterol and low fat meat as well as a worldclass leather. But, it is the oil that is attracting serious attention from both the medical profession as well as the cosmetic industry.
EMU OIL is receiving worldwide acclaim for outstanding performance in the three major areas described below. Testimonials from numerous users have repeatedly described it as the "Wonder Oil From Down Under"TM and the Australian Aborigines have known for centuries that the oil possesses very special properties which explains its role as a traditional Aboriginal medicine.
ARTHRITIS, MUSCLE & JOINT INJURIES AND PAIN:
One of the most remarkable attributes of EMU OIL is the effectiveness it has in comforting stiff muscles and joints. EMU OIL is currently undergoing testing in Australia and the United States for it's effectiveness on Arthritis pain as well as it's ability to heal sprains and bruises caused by sports and other activities. The fact that it is natural and has the ability to provide relief WITHOUT and known SIDE-EFFECTS provides a tremendous advantage over other drug related products.
Professor Gosh, Director of the research lab at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital explains "laboratory experiments have confirmed that EMU oil does have the ability to reduce inflammation of the joints." EMU OIL naturally contains a high level of linolenic acid, a substance known to ease arthritic pain. This coupled with it's ability to penetrate quickly and deeply could easily explain its effectiveness. "This is not witchcraft, these findings are supported by scientific evidence" states Professor Gosh.
"I am 64 years old and a dressmaker by profession. This winter the pain was so bad in my hands I could not sleep at night, and considered giving up sewing. A friend recommended your product, the results have been amazing. My hands are much more flexible and I have no pain at night. I recommend EMU Oil to all my friends and sincerely thank you for your wonderful product."
Albany Ferrari, Asmadale, Australia
"A farm near Burnet, TX. introduced me to your EMU Oil. One drop on my arthritic thumb join worked wonders."
Jane Rogers, Austin TX., U.S.A.
BURN PAIN AND SCARRING:
EMU OIL has long been found to be effective on burns of all types, from sunburns to first and second degree burns, readily alleviating the pain (in most cases within 2 to 3 minutes) and dramatically reducing the scarring and blistering.
"My 13 yr. old daughter recently spilled extremely hot apple cider across her lap on her bare legs. I remembered what you said about EMU Oil for soothing burns. I ran for my bottle and poured some onto her burned legs. Within 10 minutes, the burning had stopped and by morning the redness was gone. It truly made a believer out of me. Since that night I have tried EMU Oil on cuts, sore muscles, just about anything you can think of, and it's amazing. I will never be without my EMU Oil."
Debbie Brasier, Chico, CA., U.S.A.
EXTRAORDINARY SKIN MOISTURIZER:
Australian Aborigines have long used EMU Oil as a skin moisturizer to reduce the effects of the harsh Australian sun and aging on their skin. Claims that EMU Oil has unique ANTI-AGING elements are currently under study with very encouraging results to date.
"I have used your EMU Oil for the last two months and have noticed a remarkable difference in my skin. I am 33 yrs. old and have found that the EMU Oil greatly diminishes the fine lines under my eyes and leaves my skin feeling soft and healthy as if it had been nourished from the outside in. It also seems to deter those occasional acne flare-ups. Thank you for introducing me to this wonderful product."
Linda McGraw, Alameda, CA., U.S.A.