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The Rhea is an inquisitive, friendly, graceful and rather endearing creature which originates from South America, where it is often referred to as the Pampas Ostrich. The Rhea grows to a height of about 4-6 feet, weighing around 47-70lbs. Originating from temperate zones Rheas have no difficulty in adapting to the climate in the UK.
Rheas, Ostriches and Emus all belong to a group of flightless birds known as Ratites. These birds are presenting new opportunities for farmers looking for a profitable alternative to more conventional and traditional ventures. Rheas also make attractive and striking amenity birds in paddocks or parkland.
Rheas are extremely hardy and disease resistant preferring to run free in colonies. Although some shelter should be available, there is no need for very expensive buildings. Rheas are generally easy to manage and even in the breeding season the occasional challenging male can readily be controlled. At the end of their second year, they are able to breed, and will lay 30 or more eggs which will be incubated by the male who also will look after the chicks. Their diet is similar to that of chickens.
Rheas are not classified as Dangerous Wild Animals and do not require a licence to be kept either within a farming enterprise or as amenity birds.
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The Emu originates from Australia and grows to a height of 4-6ft. They are friendly,docile and hardy birds resistant to disease. Their natural habitat is fairly dry, barren, rough land.
Like the Rheas, Emus have adapted well to the UK environment and do not require housing, except when very young. A three sided shelter protecting the birds from hot sunshine or driving rain is usually sufficient. Emus usually prefer to sleep outside at night.
Emus mature at around two years of age and can live for 30 years. They can be kept as a colony or in breeding pairs and lay eggs from November to May. The male incubates the eggs (usually a clutch of around 10-12) if left to his own devices which takes 50-60 days.
Being omnivorous their diet is similar to chickens; seeds, weeds, flowers, leaves, fruit, vegetables, insects and other small creatures. Proprietary ratite foods are available.
Unlike Rheas the Emu does require a "Dangerous Wild Animals Licence", although not aggressive by nature they can, like other animals, protect themselves by kicking if frightened or cornered. Hand reared Emus are friendly and like Rheas can make interesting inhabitants of the parkland. They can also be farmed for their meat, skins for leather, feathers for fashion/industry, oil for cosmetic/pharmaceutical uses and eggs for decoration.
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