Poultry
Emu Chicks Price: What to Pay and What to Know First
Oct
The emu chicks price at most U.S. breeders runs from about $150 for a plain standard chick to $600 or more for a rare color. At Reichert’s Farmstead, our emu listing currently shows $250 to $900, depending on the chick’s sex and variety. However, the chick is only the first bill. Fencing, feed, and a warm brooder often cost more than the bird. You can see what is available now on our emu for sale page.
Emus are fun, hardy, and very unusual birds. Still, they are not backyard chickens. In this guide, we explain what emu chicks cost, why prices differ, and what you should plan for before you order.
What Do Emu Chicks Cost?
Prices vary a lot from seller to seller. Published price guides put standard (brown) chicks at roughly $150 to $350. Blonde chicks often run $300 to $450, and white chicks can reach about $600. In addition, some sellers charge far more for day-old birds, while a few list far less. Therefore, a rock-bottom price deserves a closer look.
Here is how we price our emu chicks:
| Chick type | Our price |
|---|---|
| Standard emu chick (male) | $150 |
| Standard emu chick (female) | $250 |
| Blonde emu chick | $300 |
| White emu chick | $600 |
Our range sits above the cheapest offers you will find online. Sexed chicks and color varieties cost more to produce. Still, we want you to compare the whole package, not just the sticker price.
What Affects the Emu Chicks Price?
Several things move the price up or down:
- Variety. Standard chicks cost the least. Blonde and white chicks cost more because they are less common.
- Sex. Male and female chicks look alike, so breeders use a DNA test to tell them apart. As a result, sexed chicks usually cost more than unsexed ones.
- Age. A day-old chick costs less than an older, started chick. However, older chicks have already passed the riskiest stage.
- Breeder reputation. A seller who shows you the parent birds and answers questions is worth a fair price.
- Shipping. Live shipping adds cost. Also, a rushed or poorly packed box puts the chick at risk.
Emu Chicks, Eggs, or Adults: Which Costs Less?
Fertile eggs cost the least. However, Rutgers Cooperative Extension warns that the risk is high, because losses climb from day one to three months of age. In addition, emu eggs have dark, thick shells, so you cannot candle them. If you want to try, read our guide on how to hatch emu eggs.
Chicks sit in the middle. Rutgers notes that chicks older than three months are the most cost-effective way to start, since you lose fewer birds. Even so, they cost more than eggs.
Adult breeders cost the most. Proven pairs can pay you back faster, but you pay for that head start up front.
For most first-time buyers, chicks strike the best balance of cost and risk.
The Real Cost: What You Need Besides the Chick
The emu chicks price is only part of your budget. An adult emu stands about five feet tall and weighs around 120 pounds, according to Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Because of that size, plan your setup before you buy:
- Land. Rutgers recommends at least one acre for each pair.
- Fencing. Use a fence at least six feet tall. The American Emu Association also prefers six-foot chain link or no-climb wire.
- Brooder. The association advises draft-free chick runs with heat for chicks under two months old.
- Shelter. Rutgers suggests a free-access shelter of about 10 by 10 feet for a pair.
- Feed. Offer a ratite, turkey, or gamebird starter with at least 18 percent protein, plus fresh water and grit.
Feed matters more than most buyers expect. Rutgers reports that impaction from overeating is a common cause of death in young ratites. For that reason, stick to a proper starter and avoid scraps.
When Is the Best Time to Buy Emu Chicks?
Emus breed in winter. Rutgers lists the season as early December through April, and incubation takes 48 to 56 days. As a result, most chicks hatch from late winter into spring. The emu chicks price and availability can shift with that cycle, so it pays to plan early. We take reservations for upcoming hatches
How to Avoid Overpaying for Emu Chicks
A low emu chicks price is not always a bargain. Before you pay any seller, ask these questions:
- How old are the chicks, and how were they sexed?
- Can I see photos of the parent birds?
- What happens if a chick arrives sick?
- What is the full delivered cost, including shipping?
A good breeder answers all four without hesitation. Moreover, a farm with a real address and a phone number is easier to trust than an anonymous listing.
Rules to Check Before You Buy
Emu rules differ by state and by county. Before you order, contact your state department of agriculture and your local Extension office. Also, ask whether your area limits livestock or requires a permit.
For example, Illinois requires ratites entering the state to have a negative avian influenza test, a veterinary health certificate, permanent ID, and a permit. Delaware asks owners to register their emus. As a result, shipping rules for your state may change what we can send you [CONFIRM OUR EMU SHIPPING POLICY BY STATE].
Avian influenza is the biggest disease worry with ratites, says Rutgers. Therefore, keep emus away from other birds and isolate new arrivals for about 30 days. USDA also offers free checklists through its Defend the Flock program.
Emu Chicks Price at Reichert’s Farmstead
We raise our birds at 141 Ealey Rd in Greenville, Tennessee. Our emu chicks come in male and female options and in standard, blonde, and white varieties. Browse them under heritage baby chicks.
We ship across the U.S., and our minimum order is $150. Orders over $300 ship free. [CONFIRM THAT EMU CHICKS QUALIFY FOR FREE SHIPPING, AND ADD THE 48-HOUR LIVE DELIVERY GUARANTEE ONLY IF IT COVERS EMU CHICKS]
You may also like our other unusual birds. Our price guides for Ayam Cemani chicks and baby peacocks show what to expect from those breeds.
Not sure which chick fits your farm? Contact us and we will help you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a baby emu cost?
The emu chicks price at most breeders is between about $150 and $600. Color, sex, and age change the number. Our current range is $250 to $900 [CONFIRM].
Can you tell an emu chick’s sex by looking at it?
No. Male and female chicks look alike. Breeders use a DNA test to find out.
Is it cheaper to buy emu eggs?
Yes, but the risk is higher. Dark shells make candling impossible, and chick losses are high in the first three months.
How much space do emus need?
Rutgers recommends at least one acre for each pair and a fence at least six feet tall.
What do emu chicks eat?
They need a ratite, turkey, or gamebird starter with at least 18 percent protein. Fresh water and grit should always be available.
Do I need a permit to own emus?
It depends on where you live. Check with your state department of agriculture and your county before you order.
Ready to Buy?
Now you know the emu chicks price and the setup behind it. If you have the space and the plan, emu chicks can be a rewarding addition to your farm. Browse our emu for sale page to see current chicks, then place your order or reserve for the next hatch. Questions first? Contact us anytime.
