Emu Farming in Kerala
Emu farming is taking over Poultry farming not only in Kerala, in Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu as well. The advantages seems to be many when compared to the disadvantages in Emu farming.
Chicken Industry seems to be in difficulties in the recent years because of the Avian Flu and the other implications connected with it. Nowadays Emu farming is taking over Poultry farming in a big way as it is cheaper, sturdier and easier to maintain with less labour. About Emus and their behaviour
Emu is the second largest bird in the whole world and is finding a home in the state of Kerala, in India. They belong to the category of birds but cannot fly. Emus grow up to 6 feet tall and weigh about 30 - 45 kilos. Most of the entrepreneurs in Kerala are getting ready to try their hand on Emu Farming, as they don't seem to lose anything. This is a new opportunity where in they seem to get high returns from different parts and products of Emu. These birds are happy when they stay together as a group. They are good swimmers and love to sit in the rain. They are strong runners and can speed up to 60 kilometer per hour. It will be easy to differentiate males and the females by the sounds like booming, drumming and grunting. About Emu farming as a side business
The oil taken from them plus the meat and skin, huge colourful eggs, which become useful as ornaments fetch good prices in the market. Even their feathers and nails are saleable products. There is nothing to lose for an Emu farmer.
The Emu Oil is considered highly medicinal and seems to be gaining popularity in the Pharmaceutical industry, the cost being somewhere around 5000 Rs per litre.
An Emu which is about 14 - 18 month old would yield around 20 kilos of meat and at least 4 litres of Emu oil.
Emu Farming is very very easy on the labour problems and is easily adaptable and compatible with other livestock you have in your farms. The new Emu farmers say that this cam be made as a side business and run. The birds are also highly resistent to the common diseases. They need space to roam freely and can be productive for about 25 - 35 years. They lay about 20 - 50 eggs in a season and may start laying them when they are just about 18 months old, the normal time being 2-3 years. Using an incubator you can hatch the eggs and 49 - 52 days is the time needed. Advantages of Emu Farming
Looking after and maintaining about 10 pairs of Emus will not cost even an hour a day, this is a less labour oriented job. These domesticated birds are very friendly with humans and consumes only about a kilo gram of food per day. They eat all sorts of grains, fruits, seeds, growing shoots of plants and other insects
You will not find any foul smell or flies around these birds and so they are very environmental friendly.
The other reptiles like Snakes , wolves and dogs do not come near and dare attack these birds.
The Meat contains very low fat and so helps to control and lower cholesterol levels. Disadvantages of Emu Farming
The only problem you might face is the lack of space as Emus need at least a 3000 square feet, for about 5 pairs of Emus, as they have a tendency to kick their feet and get aggressive at the enemies. You will find that space is the main constraint if you are trying to do Emu farming in Kerala. Contact Details ( to know more about farming Emus )
Prakash C Menon
Mythree Garden Bird's Paradise
Thodampallam
Erattekulam - PO
Via Para
Palakkad District
Kerala 678622
Tel: 0491 2583657
Mobile: 98954 16935
E mail - mythreegarden@hotmail.com
Reference: www.mythreegarden.com
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