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What better father's day present than a new species
(number 142) for our home list. I was called to the kitchen this morning by an
excited wife to be greeted by the sight of an Emu wandering around our paddock.
On our list of possibilities for new birds for our property, Emu would have come
in at about 300th. On our recent six week trip through NSW, Vic and SA we had to
wait till somewhere south of Narrandera before seeing any Emus and now we have
one in our own backyard. This bird appears to be somewhat tame and came walking
up to me when I called our horse for her breakfast. The poor horse doesn't know
what to make of this strange beast that has invaded her space and is giving the
Emu a wide berth. The Emu has some old injuries; no feathers on the back of its
neck and a large bare patch on one flank. It appears to be otherwise in
reasonable condition,, although it spends a lot of time engaged in what appears
to be feather plucking, with its beak. Do Emus get mange, or is it likely to be
carrying parasites? What is the natural diet of Emus? It will eat bread but this
is probably not the best food for Emus and we would like to help it out a bit if
we can. Now I have to go for a walk around the property to find how it got in
and fix the break in the fence, if any. Any advice on the proper care of Emus
appreciated.
Paul Osborn
Cooranbong NSW
30 02S 151 25E
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