WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT ... EMUS???

SYD

Drawing from a few days ago. I think I've captured his intelligence, curiosity and cuteness.

 

Himself

I am absolutely intrigued by Syd.

Baby photo. I think he's about a month out of the egg here. I would let him out of his enclosure to run - stretch his legs and explore.

Sandhill crane - another denizen living here. Definitely not as friendly as Syd!

Grey crested crane. She is more agreeable than the sandhill cranes, and keeps them away when I am in their enclosure.

Adult emu from Syd's clan. Four adults live together on the property.

Yes, they can tolerate colder temperatures provided they have a shed or some other shelter.

ZOOMIES!!!

Syd in his new enclosure. He has much more room to run around and wreak havoc among the chickens. Things have since settled down a bit !

Who would have thought I'd be so keen to cuddle an emu? I've known Syd since he was a hatchling. I'd visit, and let him out of his cage to run around in the "bird kitchen", working those strong legs, and inspecting everything. Later, I'd spend time with him when he was moved outside to progressively larger spaces. He has proven to be a most curious and amicable bird - if you don't mind the occasional pecking.

I moved here to the ecological farm almost a year ago. I was amazed by the variety of animals here. The emus especially attracted me. Initially, I found them a bit intimidating. With necks extended, they are taller than me. And they really do look like the velociraptors from the Jurassic Park movies. But they are quite sociable, sometimes a bit too much so during breeding season [winter months here].

Some emu facts: 

They are the 2nd largest bird, next to ostriches.

They can run up to 50 kph.

They are omnivorous, and will eat fruits, vegetables, seeds and insects.

They are very curious and social, but can be territorial during breeding season.

The males incubate the eggs.

They make a booming or drumming sound [quite eerie when you first hear it], and a hissing noise when threatened. The chicks and young make a soft peeping noise.

Right now, Syd is living in a huge enclosure with dozens of chickens. They are getting along quite well. He cannot be placed in the field with the adult emus. As they did not hatch him, they would not recognize him as "family", and would chase and attack him.

Thank you for drooping in. I hope you didn't find the post too dry. I must admit to feeling a bit uninspired lately. Liberty play with Bruno brings me the most joy right now.

Cheryl, me and a happy, relaxed Bruno.