Emu’s are large flightless domesticated birds raised for
meat and oil production. The birds reach tremendous speed in full flight and
love to forage.
Emu’s are found in Australia and they are the second
largest birds after the ostrich. They stand about 180cm height and 162 cm
length.
Emus weigh an astounding 55kg with female topping the
scale. They have long necks, vestigial wings and three toes on each foot.
The shaggy looking bird’s distinctive feature is the
double rachis on a single shaft. The Savannah dwelling birds are tough, rigged
and adapt to different climates.
Emu farming is
capital, labor intensive and the birds succumb to certain diseases. To start
your emu business you need adequate funding, proper nutrition, good bird source
and an effective breeding program.
Other considerations are incorporation, permits,
veterinary services and marketing the produce.
Land
and Infrastructure
Emus have a deadly weapon in their feet. The legs are
strong, powerful and enough to brake bones. To farm emu you need a vast land to
accommodate them.
Without ample space to move around they will not grow
nicely. If you have about 8000sq feet you can continently rear 10 birds.
Work on the infrastructure especially the perimeter
fencing and a shed. Provide adequate water, emu feed, incubators for egg hatchery
and clean shelter.
Feeding
the Bird
The emu diet consists of grasses, insects, arthropods,
beetles and millipede. Others feeding habit involves seeds, roots and leaf.
Emu farmers should buy manufactured emu feed that has all
the nutritional requirements for rapid growth. It is bad practice to feed the bird,
chicken concentrate because the nutritional requirements are different.
Funding
the Enterprise
Entrepreneurs need adequate funding to start the
enterprise. The funds are used to purchase land and provide infrastructure.
Some costs considerations are tied to buying the stock,
feeding and veterinary services. Others are cost of labor, marketing, and price
of incubator.
Approach an agriculture focused bank for loans. You can
find a core investor or borrow from family and friends.
Register
the Business
First incorporate your company and choose a business
name. You need a trade license and insurance cover for your stock. Find out the
permits and regulations guiding the enterprise.
Start
a Breeding Program
The female emu’s plumage darkens slightly during breeding
season. They pair up and perform a distinctive mating dance. The female lay
between 4to14 green colored eggs.
The incubation period in nature is about 2 months and the
male is in charge of the eggs. Chicks grow rapidly attaining maturity in 6
months. Emu grow nicely in captivity based on good nutritional diet.
Emu Products
Emu are farmed for their meat, leather, eggs, skin and
oil. The oil is used for cosmetics, therapeutic products and supplements.
Without proper
marketing you will struggle to make profit. You can approach cosmetic
companies, exotic restaurants, and hotels.
Advertise your product in newspapers, magazines and other
print media. Use flyer, handbills, billboards and signage to advertise your
products.
You can trade birds, process the meat or open a small
side company. To rise additional funds organize tours of your facility.
Another related venture is to organize seminars on emu
farming and provide theory and practical training. Sell to market women, frozen
stores, supermarkets and grocery stores.
Products
Cosmetics
Leather
Eggs
Supplements
Therapeutic properties
Meat
Build
a Website
Build a website to reach a wider customer base. The
website should be targeted to your local market and community.
Advertise your business on free or paid classified
websites. Use yellow pages including other social media to improve patronage.How to Start an Ewe Sheep Farm
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