Emu Research. Day 521.

The emu research didn’t go as well as the alpaca one. We started by watching newborn emus hatching from gorgeous and very giant deep blue eggs. When they finally pecked their way out, the helpless little babies wobbled around trying to walk.

“Awwwww,” we all said.

Then, we learned more about them. First of all, the fencing would be a huge expense that I simply don’t want. They attempt escape, whereas alpacas do not. Five feet may be enough, the man was explaining, but they still find a way, especially in breeding season when their moods are out of whack.

They can tend to be crabby, specifically the females. Now, Tyler, my oldest, is not a fan of birds being too close to him. He has held a chicken and will push through it, but he isn’t crazy about it. I wonder if he’ll ever come here again if I have giant, grouchy chickens.

Emus also require more specific and slightly exotic vet care, and can come up with many odd and complicated ailments. No, thank you.

So, for now at least, I am going to cross emus off my list of what-to-do-with-that-land. It’s OK. At least we know.