Emu, the titan in the bird's empire reached Kerala only recently. Second only to Ostrich in size Emu normally gains a weight of 60 kg in two years. In the growth it apes like a buffalo calf while remains as a total vegetarian. A pair of Emu poults fetches Rs.15,000.
Other specialities of Emu are its docile nature and crave for glittering things. Its huge size makes it a perennial attraction to the onlookers. Its appetite for grains, grass and leaves is well known. It provides aromatic, nutritious meat which is cholesterol free.
Darvin's theory is an exception in Emu as it is less prone to change. Classified in RATITE species of wild bird, the Emu cannot fly.
Winter is mating season of Emu. After laying the eggs, hen entrust the duty of brooding to the cock, which sits on the eggs religiously for 52 days. But the impatient hen seeks out for other paramours during this spell. It can be reared in open yard secured with wire mesh in a height of 6 feet. Common feed for Emu are carrot, cucumber, fruits, vegetable waste. Upto three months it can be fed with grower feed. It takes five litres of water per day.
Meat of Emu is delicate which fetches Rs.300 per kg but most valued item from Emu is Emu oil located on the hump. Oil, used for making cosmetics and medicine, fetches Rs.4000 per litre.
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