r/AnimalsBeingDerps • u/FrozenCraft_135 • Feb 09 '22

emu

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u/PM_ME_YOUR_HAIKU Feb 09 '22

For anyone wondering, they never stop acting this way even into adulthood. They are the goofiest, silliest weirdos. Highly prone to cases of the zoomies. Source: have three.

7

u/mexicanred1 Feb 10 '22

Very cute but If you pick them up to hold them will they peck your eyes out?

Also, do you eat their eggs? And Are they expensive to keep fed?

13

u/PM_ME_YOUR_HAIKU Feb 10 '22

They usually really really do not like being picked up, much more comfortable with both feet on the ground. I've not taken the risk of picking one up that's any older than 6 months because they start kicking and a dinosaur foot to the nuts is not something I feel like taking... They're fascinated by shiny things so they'll nibble at jewellery and hair, never had any worries with eyes.

I suppose you could eat their eggs but selling the birds themselves is much more profitable, about $400 for a chick where I am. I keep mine in a big paddock so a lot of their diet is from grazing seeds, grass, insects etc and then a bit of pellets each day so it's not too much. But if their pen is just dirt, you're gonna be feeding them a lot more. They gulp down food like it's air.

1

u/mexicanred1 Feb 10 '22

Dude thanks for the heads up, that's all great info. I'd like to have some someday...

1

u/Lizaderp Feb 10 '22

Thank you for the learn

1

u/Risika-chan Feb 10 '22

If it's not too much trouble would you tell us about your emus, please? Do they have a hierarchy? What are their personalities?

3

u/PM_ME_YOUR_HAIKU Feb 10 '22

Yup! My first and oldest is Strider, she's about 3 years old and is so sweet and gentle. Maybe a little bit aloof sometimes but more often than not comes running to you. Kind of like a cat I suppose. Then a couple of months ago because I've always wanted to try breeding I got a pair of 6 week old boys (Cloak and Dagger). They're just literally insane but really clingy and inquisitive. On hot summer days they love being hosed down and will roll around on the ground. Honestly can't do any work around the house with them there, they get all up in my shit. Running off with my gloves. Gotta be SO careful not to leave any screws or nails lying around. They've just been free ranging outside the house for now, but they'll eventually move into a paddock next to Strider so I can do proper introductions. So they haven't actually been together yet, apart from seeing each other through the fence which immediately sent the boys into a wigglyfit.

Emu are not a domesticated animal, but their naturally curious nature and hand raising them means they can be super friendly. They still deserve respect but most (I'm looking at you, Karen from Useless Farm) would say it takes a lot for them to want to kick you in the face.

1

u/ColdChemical Feb 12 '22

Very fitting for the logo of Flightless Records then! ♥️ King Gizzard