An emu standing nearly six feet tall and weighing up to 150 pounds is not exactly the kind of animal most people picture when they think of a pet. Yet many people across the USA keep these prehistoric-looking creatures as pets, and the numbers have only grown as homesteading culture and exotic animal interest have expanded across rural America.
Emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) are large, flightless birds native to Australia and members of the ratite family, which includes ostriches, rheas, and cassowaries. They have very small wings compared to their bodies and use their long, powerful legs to get around — reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. That combination of size, speed, and surprisingly social personality makes them one of the most unusual animals anyone in the US can legally keep.
If you’re seriously considering adding an emu to your life, this guide walks through everything you need to know before committing — from state laws and enclosure requirements to food costs and where to find a reputable breeder.
Can You Have an Emu as a Pet?
The short answer is yes — with the right setup. Emus are not for everyone, but for those with the right space, resources, and dedication, they can be incredibly rewarding companions. They are intelligent, social, and full of personality, making them captivating animals to observe and interact with.
Unlike smaller pets, they form bonds with their caretakers, especially if raised from chicks. They’re also long-lived, with lifespans of 20–30 years, meaning they’re a serious commitment. This is not a bird you can rehome easily once it has bonded with you, so the decision deserves careful thought.
Emus are extraordinary animals, but they’re not pets in the traditional sense. They thrive best in rural settings with owners who understand their needs. If you live in a city or suburb, an emu is almost certainly not the right fit. But if you have land, patience, and a genuine interest in a one-of-a-kind animal, keep reading.
Pro Tip: If you want a friendlier bird, consider a male emu. According to experienced owners and breeders, male emus are known to be a bit tamer than females.
Are Emus Legal to Keep as Pets?
Surprisingly, these large birds are legal pretty much everywhere at the state level. One of the only states where you couldn’t own them, Alaska, recently changed its laws regarding them. However, the situation is very different at the county and potentially city level, so make sure you check all of your relevant local laws, and especially any restrictive covenants or HOA guidelines, before you pull the trigger on getting an emu.
At the federal level, the rules depend on how you intend to use the bird. The Animal Welfare Act considers ratites to be livestock when raised and used solely for purposes of harvesting meat, fat, feathers, eggs, or skin. If emus are used solely as livestock, no license is required. But APHIS considers emus as an exotic animal if they are used in any other way than for those agricultural purposes.
If an emu is sold as a pet, then it is a sale requiring a license. The term “pet bird” means birds typically kept as pets, such as parrots, canaries, and finches. Even though the emu may be a pet, it would be considered a sale of an exotic bird. This distinction matters when you’re sourcing your bird — make sure the seller is operating with the appropriate USDA APHIS license.
While your state may allow you to keep certain animals as pets, local laws can restrict ownership. State laws are frequently changing in response to concerns for public safety and animal well-being. You should always double-check for any new or proposed state or local legislation. Contacting your county agricultural extension office is a reliable first step before any purchase.
Important Note: Even in states where emus are broadly legal, your municipality or homeowners association may have zoning rules that prohibit large livestock or exotic animals on your property. Always verify at the local level before purchasing.
What Does It Take to Care for a Pet Emu?
Caring for an emu is closer to managing livestock than owning a conventional pet. The two biggest demands are space and secure fencing — both of which require significant upfront planning and investment.
Space and Enclosure
The first step in preparing housing for your emu is to pick the right spot with enough space to build your enclosure. Breeders typically house pairs of emu in 1,000 square feet of space, but for very happy birds, consider giving them even more area to enjoy. An acre of land can comfortably house around 10 pairs of emu.
Because emus are quite tall, a minimum fence height of 6 feet is recommended. Emus can climb fences, so a no-climb fencing style is highly recommended. To keep them, you’ll need tall wire fences with openings that the emus can’t get their heads stuck in, such as no-climb horse fencing. Skip concrete flooring — emus like open ground to scratch and peck at.
Shelter and Weather
Emus are quite happy in all weathers, from snow to the hottest days of summer. When it is very hot, they really appreciate a hosing down, paddling pool, or muddy puddle to wallow in. As with other ratites, the emu has great homeothermic ability and can maintain this status from −5 to 45°C (23 to 113°F). This adaptability makes them suitable across most of the continental United States.
Socialization and Handling
When raising emus, you must have at least two. They are very sociable creatures and need a buddy. A lone emu is a stressed emu. If you plan on raising emus as human-friendly pets, it is best to purchase a very young chick (from 1 to 7 days old) or to incubate and hatch eggs yourself. First-time emu owners are recommended to raise their birds from chicks.
Never force interaction — let them approach you. Avoid sudden movements, as they can kick or bolt. Watch their body language: raised feathers, hissing, or drumming sounds signal discomfort. Never corner them — they can jump surprisingly high and may panic.
Veterinary Care
Like any pet, emus need regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations to stay healthy. Finding a veterinarian with experience treating exotic birds is essential. Not every large-animal vet will have ratite experience, so research avian and exotic animal practices in your area before you bring your bird home. Keep an eye out for signs of illness, such as a lack of appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, droopy eyes, and discharge from the nose.
Emus are also social enough that they can become a genuine part of your daily routine. As one experienced keeper notes, you will probably find that emus will hang around the entrance gate, or wherever they might find humans, for attention or interaction — they are social and nosy birds. If you’re considering other large or exotic birds, you might also find our guides on peafowl as pets and eclectus parrots useful for comparison.
What Do Emus Eat?
Emus are omnivorous and eat a wide variety of food. They are expert grazers and can completely depopulate an area of insects and other small critters in a very short time, along with many flowers and plants. They eat all sorts of insects and invertebrates, including slugs, caterpillars, and grubs, but also small reptiles, amphibians, and even mammals. All sorts of plants, seeds, and nuts are on the menu, as are the eggs of other birds.
In a captive setting, their diet needs more structure. It is not always easy to get hold of ratite pellets (sometimes sold as ostrich feed). A local independent farm supply shop should be able to order them from suppliers such as Mazuri (US), or you can order directly from the maker. It is not recommended to feed emus the feed of other animals since the vitamin and mineral content will not be correct for their diet. For example, sheep feed will not have enough copper, and other animal feed may not have enough protein, vitamins E and B complex, which are essential for growing emus.
An adult emu consumes one and a half pounds of pelleted or ground feed daily. They will eat less if allowed to graze throughout the day. Water access is equally important — water is extremely important for emus. Make sure they have ample fresh water at all times. They are very active animals, and because of this, they can drink up to five gallons a day.
Pro Tip: It is best to feed young emus a ratite crumble diet, which you can place in a bowl with shiny objects nearby to attract them to the food. The shiny object trick works surprisingly well for getting chicks to start eating on their own.
Do Emus Make Good Pets?
The honest answer depends entirely on what you’re looking for in a pet and what you can realistically provide. Emus are highly intelligent, trainable, and can form very close bonds with people who raise them, which is what makes them such cool pets in the first place. If you’ve ever wanted your own real-life dinosaur, an emu is about as close as it gets. As long as you raise them from an egg or from chicks, you’ll probably enjoy a lifelong bond with your bird if you treat it right.
But you should know that emus can be highly temperamental, especially if they get hormonal because they want to breed. While emus rarely attack, their powerful legs and sharp claws can cause injury if they feel threatened. Children and small animals need to be supervised around them at all times.
Emus may not get along with other animals, especially smaller pets like cats or dogs. It’s important to introduce them to other animals carefully and monitor their interactions. If you have other large animals like horses on your property, separation or careful introduction protocols are also worth planning ahead of time.
Known for their speed, curiosity, and surprisingly gentle nature when raised properly, emus are increasingly kept as livestock, pets, and even therapy animals. For the right owner — someone with rural land, time, and a genuine love of unusual animals — they can be deeply rewarding. For anyone expecting a low-maintenance companion, they will be a frustrating mismatch.
Pros and Cons of Having an Emu as a Pet
Before making any decision, it helps to see the trade-offs laid out clearly. Here is a straightforward breakdown based on the real experiences of emu owners across the United States.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Intelligent and form strong bonds with owners | Require large, securely fenced outdoor space |
| Long lifespan (20–30 years in captivity) | Not suitable for urban or suburban living |
| Hardy across a wide range of US climates | Can be dangerous if mishandled or stressed |
| Relatively low-maintenance compared to other livestock | Difficult to find an experienced exotic vet |
| Can produce eggs, oil, and meat as secondary benefits | Must be kept in pairs — one bird is not enough |
| Highly entertaining and curious personalities | Long-term commitment that requires estate planning |
There are very few animals that will live longer than an emu, like elephants and tortoises. That’s about it. If you’re committed to going the distance with your bird, they must factor into your life and estate planning. This is a decades-long relationship, not a seasonal hobby. If you enjoy reading about other animals with unique ownership considerations, our articles on kinkajous and sand cats explore similar territory.
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Pet Emu?
Emu ownership costs fall into two broad categories: the initial purchase and setup, and the ongoing annual expenses. Both are substantial enough to require a real budget before you commit.
Purchase Price
The initial cost of purchasing an emu is anywhere between $50 and $1,500 depending on whether you’re getting an emu chick or an adult breeder bird. Emu chicks can range from $50 to $300 each depending on age, breeder reputation, and location. However, prices vary widely by source and region. Adult breeder emus range from $800 to $1,500 per breeding pair, with older proven pairs ready for breeding typically demanding a higher price — in some rare instances even reaching $50,000 per pair.
Setup and Housing Costs
For a modest start of two adult emus, expect an initial investment of $5,000 to $10,000 for the birds, housing, and essential supplies. Fencing alone is a major line item. Professional fence installation charges range from $8 to $16 per foot, and with a minimum 6-foot fence required across a meaningful enclosure area, costs add up fast. Feeders, waterers, and accessories run $300 to $500 per bird for initial setup.
Ongoing Annual Expenses
Adult emus eat 2–4 lbs of feed daily costing $0.25 to $0.60 per lb — roughly $200 to $700 annually per bird for food. On top of feed, budget for veterinary care: annual exams and vaccines run approximately $100 per bird per year, while unexpected injuries or illness can cost $200 to $2,000 or more depending on severity.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Emu chick (purchase price) | $50–$300 per bird |
| Adult breeder pair | $800–$1,500+ per pair |
| Enclosure and fencing (initial) | $5,000–$10,000+ |
| Feeders, waterers, accessories | $300–$500 per bird |
| Annual feed cost | $200–$700 per bird/year |
| Annual vet care (routine) | $100 per bird/year |
| Unexpected vet costs | $200–$2,000+ per incident |
Prices above reflect figures reported by The Pricer (prices last reviewed March 2026) and Refarming Base (as of May 2024). Local market conditions, breeder reputation, and your geographic region will all influence what you actually pay.
Where to Get a Pet Emu
Emus are not common in pet stores but are obtainable through specialty breeders. The American Emu Association (AEA) is the primary trade organization for emu breeders in the United States and maintains breeder directories that can help you find reputable sources in your region.
You can purchase emus from breeders. It is a good idea to research the reputation of the breeder before you buy your birds. If you plan on raising emus as human-friendly pets, it is best to purchase a very young chick (from 1 to 7 days old) or to incubate and hatch eggs yourself. Buying from a breeder who handles their birds daily will give you a significant head start on socialization.
A few practical tips for sourcing your bird:
- Ask the breeder whether chicks were artificially hatched or parent-raised — start with a young emu, preferably a day old to a week old, and one that is artificially hatched is much friendlier than one that is naturally hatched.
- Visit the farm in person before purchasing so you can assess the health and temperament of the birds and the conditions they were raised in.
- Check online livestock marketplaces and state agricultural extension networks, which sometimes list emu breeders by region.
- Consider rescuing an adult emu — some owners can no longer care for their birds, and rehomed adults that are already human-socialized can be a good option for experienced keepers.
Emus grow quite quickly, and after a few weeks will be ready to be introduced to their outside enclosure. While they are still small and young, they may be vulnerable to predators, so make sure your enclosure will keep them safe while they are maturing. Emus reach adult sizes at about 5–6 months, so it won’t be long before they can fend for themselves.
Once you’ve found a reputable breeder and confirmed your local laws, the final step is making sure your property is truly ready before the bird arrives. Fencing, shelter, water systems, and a vet relationship should all be in place before pickup day — not after. If you enjoy exploring unusual animals as pets, our guides on monk parakeets, blue-fronted Amazon parrots, and chameleons cover a range of other distinctive species worth considering.