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All About Emus
Emus are native to Australia. They belong to the Ratite family of flightless birds, which includes Ostrich (Africa), Rhea (South America), Cassoway (Australia and New Guinea) and Kiwi (New Zealand).
Emus exist in significant numbers in the U.S. as alternative livestock. A mature breeding pair will lay 30 to 40 eggs per year and can live up to thirty years. Emus are generally docile, curious and monogamous.
Mature emus average about 6 feet in height and weigh up to 150 lbs. They have a bare blue neck outlined by black feathers and mottled, brown body feather coloration.
Emu meat is very similar to beef in taste and appearance with a fat content similar to turkey. The oil rendered from the emu’s fat is used to make many health and beauty products such as arthritis pain relievers, dry skin cream lotion and more.
Emu Eggs
The outer layer of an emu egg ranges from teal green to dark green. As the egg ages and is exposed to the U.V. rays from light, it will darken to almost black. Underneath this hard outer layer are three distinct layers of color: teal green, gray and inside a thin layer of pearl white.
Emu eggs are approximately 10 times the size and weight of a chicken egg. A large egg can have as much as1/2 quart of yolk inside.
Emu eggs can be hinged, cut and turned into jewelry boxes or purses. They can be carved, engraved or cut in the filigree style. The white inner layer is only .005 inches thick – so thin that if an electric light is placed inside it shines through to make a beautiful night-light.
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