Emu Chick Care
After your chick has hatched, clean the umbilical area carefully with betadine and leave in hatcher to dry. Newly hatched chicks will be wobbly and should not require food or water for the first 2 days. They will continue to get nutrients from the yolk sac for up to 5 days. After 2 days old we offer blended kale floating in the water and on top of 18%-20% UNmedicated chick crumble, ground-up (if too large) alfalfa-based rabbit pellets (extruded is best) with Rooster Booster vit/mineral pellets. Vitamin B Complex added to water, (just a few drops enough to tint water). Introduce a variety of fruits and vegetables like shredded cabbage, apples, bananas, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, diced carrots, and peas. Fruits, veggies, mealworms, sunflower seeds (without shell) in moderation. Use heavy dishes or bowls they can't easily fall in, slip in, or knock over. They scoop to drink, so most regular poultry waterers do not work well. They are too shallow. Heat lamp (low 90's starting out and slowly decrease) on one side until feathered (3-4 months). Keep safe from predators, including family pets and supervise children that could potentially drop or otherwise accidentally injure your chick. Emu chicks grow fast, don't forget to loosen/remove leg bands and raise heat lamp as needed. Cushioned flat surface (not concrete). Non-slick surfaces at all times. Slipped tendons or splay leg can happen especially if they are being free-fed and don't have enough space. They need enough room to exercise their legs as they grow to support their weight. They poop a lot. It can be semi-solid to an all-out splat, which is normal. (Extruded rabbit pellets make for firmer poop). Transition from chick crumbles to layer pellets between 3-6 months old. Continue rabbit pellets, Rooster Booster vit/mineral pellets, fruits, vegetables, mealworms and sunflower seeds.