Emu

Leg weakness / leg deformity in chicks

SignsLeg twists outward, swollen joints, sitting down, short stride. Most common from a few weeks to a few months of age

PreventionNon-slip flooring, ratite feed to avoid rapid growth, daily exercise in a large area. See the vet immediately for any abnormality

Proventricular foreign-body obstruction

SignsReduced appetite, repeated neck-stretching swallowing motions, fewer or thinner droppings, weight loss, lethargy

PreventionInspect the enclosure daily and remove nails, wire, string, plastic and small trash. Do not lay too much gravel

Avian influenza

SignsSudden lethargy, neurological signs, several birds dying at once. Notifiable disease (Act on Domestic Animal Infectious Diseases Control); suspected cases must be reported

PreventionKeep wild birds out, disinfect footwear, do not let wild birds use the water area. Contact the Livestock Hygiene Service Center immediately for any abnormality

Aspergillosis

SignsOpen-mouth breathing, respiratory noise, severe breathlessness after exercise, reduced appetite. Occurs with moldy bedding or damp shelters

PreventionUse dry bedding and replace it as soon as it gets damp. Ventilate the shelter well, especially in the rainy season

Gastrointestinal parasites

SignsDiarrhea (bloody or green), weight loss, dull feathers. In chicks, sudden weakness and collapse

PreventionPlan regular fecal exams and deworming with your vet. Remove droppings daily, wash water containers, avoid overcrowding

Bumblefoot (pododermatitis)

SignsSwelling, scabs or ulcers on the foot pad, limping, reluctance to stand. Worsened by hard floors or mud

PreventionWell-drained ground and a dry resting area. Check the foot pads monthly and see the vet early if there is redness

Leg fracture

PreventionMake fences visible and round off corners. Avoid startling (dogs, fireworks, sudden approach). Fill holes in the ground

First aidDo not chase; quietly narrow the pen. Do not splint; keep it calm in a dark place. See a large-animal vet the same day

Lacerations from fences / wire mesh

PreventionUse fencing without barbed wire or protrusions. Mesh small enough that the head or legs cannot go through

First aidApply pressure with clean gauze. Do not cut feathers to expose the wound; see the vet the same day for deep wounds or bleeding that will not stop

Neck sprain / fracture

PreventionBuild so the neck cannot enter mesh or fence gaps. Feeders must also be shaped so the head can get out

First aidDo not pull the neck out; cut the fence instead. Support the head and keep it still. If the neck droops or the bird cannot stand, go to emergency care even at night

Dislocation during capture

PreventionNever grab the legs or neck. Two or more people hold the body from behind. Cover the head with a cloth to calm the bird

First aidRelease restraint immediately and move to a dark, quiet place. Do not pull the leg; if it cannot stand, see the vet the same day

Avian influenza

RouteInhalation of or contact with droppings and respiratory secretions

PreventionWear a mask and gloves when working. Do not touch unexplained deaths; report to the Livestock Hygiene Service Center

Salmonellosis

RouteOral, via droppings, eggshells or contaminated hands

PreventionWash hands after handling. Wash eggs, refrigerate and cook thoroughly

Campylobacteriosis

RouteOral, via water, feed or hands contaminated with droppings

PreventionDedicated boots and gloves for the enclosure. Children and the elderly must always wash hands after handling

Psittacosis

RouteInhalation of dust from dried droppings

PreventionWet down before cleaning to suppress dust. If fever or cough persists, tell your doctor you keep birds

Food

• Ratite (ostrich) formulated feed as the staple, twice a day
• Fresh grass, leafy greens and fruit as supplements
• Small grit (gravel) always available in a separate container

Water

• Plenty in a large container, changed twice a day
• Prevent freezing in winter; keep in shade and remove algae in summer

Toys & play

• Hanging leafy greens or branches (to peck and pull)
• A shallow pool or bathing area (summer play and cooling)
• A sturdy ball too large to swallow

Nest, bed & hideout

• A dry roofed shelter enclosed on three sides
• In breeding season, a straw area in a corner where the male can build a nest

Bedding & litter

• Thick dry straw or wood chips in the shelter
• Sand or short grass in the run, with good drainage
• Remove droppings daily and replace damp bedding immediately

Cage / housing material

Fine wire mesh or board fence at least 1.8 m high. No barbed wire

Size & space

At least 100 m² for 1–2 birds, with a straight stretch for running

Layout

• Round off corners to reduce impact in collisions
• Place the shelter on the windward side and the water area away from the shelter
• Mark the fence with visible boards or tape so the birds can see it

Placement notes

• Choose a site where dog and traffic noise does not reach directly
• Choose well-drained land that does not get muddy

Exercise, free-roam & walks

• No walks; let them exercise freely all day in a large enclosure
• When taking them outside the enclosure, use double fencing and two or more people
• Let chicks run outdoors every day to strengthen their legs

Temperature & humidity

TemperatureTolerates heat and cold; roughly 5–35°C outdoors is fine, with shade and a windbreak

HumiditySensitive to damp. Keep the shelter dry; change bedding more often in the rainy season

Summer & winter

• Summer: shade, a bathing area, cool water. Mosquitoes and humidity are a bigger concern than heatstroke
• Winter: a dry windproof shelter and unfrozen water. Snow is fine, but watch for ice

Nail trimming

Usually not needed. They overgrow on soft ground only; have the vet restrain and trim

Brushing, skin & coat care

No brushing. Provide a dust-bathing area; break up mud-caked feathers by hand once dry

Other care

Check foot pads for wounds and bumblefoot monthly. Also check for beak chips and eye discharge

Protection from predators

• Stray dogs and raccoons target chicks and eggs; lock the shelter at night
• Crows attack chicks; net the top of the chick pen
• Eliminate puddles to reduce mosquitoes and blackflies

Foreign-body ingestion

They swallow anything shiny: nails, wire, string, plastic. Empty your pockets before entering and leave no tools or dropped items behind

Being stepped on

Chicks are easily trampled by adults and people. Keep chicks in a separate pen and watch your feet when entering. If a trampled chick cannot stand, see the vet the same day

Getting pinched

They get the neck or legs stuck in fence gaps. Use small mesh; if stuck, do not pull out; cut the fence side to free them

Falls

They fall into ditches, ponds and holes and break legs. Fill holes in the enclosure; keep ponds shallow with gentle slopes

Escape

Fence 1.8 m or higher, double gates. If one escapes, do not chase; lure with food and the calls of its companions, and contact the police and the municipal office. Block the road side first

Safe release procedure

1. If pecked, do not scream; slowly move to the side or behind
2. Protect your face, raise your arms high, and cover its head with a cloth
3. Have a second person hold the body from behind to stop it moving
4. Back out of the fence, close the gate, then let go

After the release

Suspect a fracture where you were kicked; see an orthopedist if there is swelling or pain. Rinse wounds under running water and check tetanus status

What to tell the vet & what to bring

Weight, course of symptoms, feed and enclosure conditions, photos of droppings or foreign objects. Call ahead to confirm they treat large animals

Checking consciousness, breathing & heartbeat

• Check response to its name or sounds and whether it can lift its neck
• Check breathing by chest and abdominal movement; normal is quiet and regular
• Body temperature is about 38°C at the cloaca; keep warm if cold

Stopping bleeding

• Press firmly with a clean cloth for at least 5 minutes without stopping
• For leg bleeding, wrap with cloth and apply pressure; never use a tourniquet
• For bleeding from a broken feather shaft, press at the base and see the vet

Transport

• Cover the head with a cloth; two people carry the body to a large crate or vehicle
• Lay a blanket on the floor, lying on its side or crouched; drive gently with no sudden starts