Emus are a less common animal seen on farms, though they are not unheard of. They are friendly creatures who may adopt territorial behaviors based on their personality and their relationship with their owners. Nevertheless, there are many animals that make perfect companions for your emu.
Below is a list of 10 animals that are a perfect addition to befriend your emu.
Special Note
The animals listed may be a good choice when it comes to pairing with your emu, whether this is for social reasons, health reasons, or if you desire a few more animals, these animals may be just the thing.
This being said, it is often wise to have your emu grow up with one or more of these animals. This creates a bond and less chance of territorial activity.
Having an emu for many years, even months, and then tossing in an animal may make the emu agitated, aggressive, and territorial. Introduce the animals slowly or have them grow up together for the best results!
Animal | Benefits of living with your emu |
Horses | Horses make excellent playmates for emus as well as provide protection when feeling threatened. |
Goats | Goats get along well with emus, resulting in being an ideal playmate. |
Donkeys | Donkeys make excellent playmates as they are energetic, protective, and friendly. |
Chickens | Chickens and emus have quite the size difference. This being said, they are both friendly and will often not disturb your emu, and vice versa. |
Ponies | Much like horses, ponies are around the size, if not smaller than an emu, this makes them ideal for playing and even living together. |
Ostriches | Ostriches and emus are similar in size and personality. These two will likely be good playmates. |
Geese | Geese are low maintenance and usually keep to themselves, keeping them with your emu may create a new friendship. |
Pigs | Pigs are fun and energetic animals that may be the perfect playmate for your emu. |
Sheep | Sheep are natural leaders, if your emu is having a hard time following directions, a sheep may influence them to act right. |
Peafowl | Peafowls have similar bodily structures to an emu and are larger than other fowl. This may make these two more trusting of one another and even be compatible for friendship. |
Special Note
Although emus are gentle and cautious creatures, they may also get territorial if they are attached to another animal or even their owner. Be sure that when introducing them to other animals, they are supervised, introduced slowly, and feel safe within their environment to help the adaptation to live with other livestock.
If your emu looks mad, anxious, scared, or territorial when being introduced to a new animal, it could cause them to lash out and cause problems amongst the animals. Be sure your emu(s) is calm, and happy before bringing them together with other animals.
Table of Contents
Horses
A horse’s ideal living space is similar to that of the emus. Both animals require and enjoy large spaces, grass bedding, and spaces for them to go on cold nights. This being said, emus and horses have similar living arrangements that may save time, money, and space keeping these two together.
Horses are independent and therefore will not have much voluntary interaction with your emu. Both horses and emus will likely live in their respective spaces and be friendly to one another without feeling uncomfortable.
It is important to make sure these two are introduced slowly to avoid any acts of aggression.
Goats
Goats and emus may appear to be unlikely friends.
Goats, depending on breed may vary in size, height, and personality. Goats are independent, adventurous, and loud. Said to have a similar personality to that of a human, goats are able to mimic certain behaviors that may help them in a crisis, such as being vocally loud to draw attention.
Goats are smaller than emus but are nonetheless a great partner for them. Goats will often be independent and do their own thing. However, over time, goats and emus will likely take notice of each other and begin playing and/or building a friendship.
Donkeys
Donkeys, although similar to a horse structurally, are actually very different in terms of behavior, mentality, and emotions. The donkey is known to be fearless and will often jump into action if they feel they or one of their playmates is in danger.
Donkeys may also be stubborn if they are not getting something they desire. Emus and donkeys will likely become friends as they are both friendly, adventurous, and will protect each other in times of stress and/or danger.
Chickens
Chickens, although significantly smaller than emus, may just be their ideal playmate.
Chickens are very intelligent. They can easily get themselves into and out of potential danger.
Chickens are highly social and love having playmates, whether this is additional chickens or even other animals, including emus.
Chickens are independent as they are laid back and do their own thing unless provoked to interact. If put together, emus and chickens will commonly leave each other alone but may interact and even build a friendship over time.
Be sure to introduce these animals either at a young age or slowly to avoid territorial behavior and potential aggression.
Ponies
Ponies are likely going to be a smaller size than your emu. Emus may enjoy this aspect of ponies as opposed to a horse’s large size. Your emu may feel less threatened and this may lead to more playful behavior.
Ponies have a social and playful personality, they are often very friendly and polite to those they are living with. Emus and ponies may build a relationship where they play among each other and protect each other, making them ideal living mates.
Ostrich
Ostriches are able to get along well with emus, these two may even become friends. The body of both an ostrich and emus is similar, bringing them closer together.
These two should be put together at a young age. If not, they should be introduced slowly and supervised.
Emus are territorial over their space and food. Ostriches are similar, which could create some tension. Overall, emus and ostriches will get along as long as they are introduced slowly. Make sure this interaction is supervised to prevent any unnecessary and unwanted conflict.
Geese
Geese are beautiful birds that often fly. Geese are independent and love to protect their family. If your emu is slowly introduced to geese they will have an easier time getting along and creating a friendship.
Geese are very protective, this may come in handy if your emu is prone to anxiety or are feeling threatened. Geese will likely work to make sure your emu is safe and feeling content. Overall, these two are likely to become close friends and most of the time will do their own things.
Pigs
Pigs are very intelligent animals that are known for being fastidious and clean, despite their fondness for mud in the summer. Pigs develop and follow complex social relationships within their herd, much like humans. Emus and pigs will likely get along, both are energetic and high-spirited animals.
Pigs are generally easygoing and curious. They enjoy investigating, exploring, and playing games. These factors make them an ideal playmate for emus.
Low maintenance for both animals means they will be independent and oftentimes take care of themselves and even each other.
Sheep
Sheep are known for their tendency to flock around other farm animals and keep them in line. This is true for emus as well. Emus and sheep may just turn out to be unlikely friends.
In addition, sheep are known for their leadership abilities. If your emu is a little feisty and adventurous, a sheep friend may encourage your emu to behave themselves by providing a good influence.
Peafowl
Peafowls are energetic. They are social creatures who love being with other animals, including emus. These two have similar body structures which may contribute to their tolerant feelings towards one another.
Peafowls enjoy healthy competition and physical activity. These characteristics may help influence your emu to be more active, which is helpful to lethargic and/or overweight emus.
Overall, peafowls are very friendly, however, the two should still be introduced slowly to ensure a healthy relationship as well as a decreased potential conflict.
Benefits of keeping livestock with your emu
Emus are social creatures. Oftentimes, when growing up they will benefit from being raised with other friends, whether this is other livestock or even other emus. Keeping your emu with one or more friends may influence more dignified behavior.
They may learn to share food, their environment, and how to get along with others. Emus may also be less territorial when sharing a space with others.
Special Note
The information listed in this article is not a substitute for medical advice. If you believe your emu is displaying abnormal or odd behavior alone or around other animals, it is important to call your veterinarian right away to ensure that your emu is in peak health.
Sources
- https://www.chickenwhisperermagazine.com/the-chicken-movement/think-bigger-emus-bring-scope-to-backyard-poultry
- https://www.moonlightvalleyfarm.com
- /emu-faq-ezp-13.html
- https://veg.ca/animal-issues/farm-animals/ducks-and-geese-personality/
- https://www.homestead.org/poultry/peafowl-plumage-and-personality/
- https://veg.ca/animal-issues/farm-animals/pigs-personality/
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/factory-farming/chickens/hidden-lives-chickens/
- https://www.ed.ac.uk/files/imports/fileManager/donkey%20fact%20sheet.pdf
- https://www.mannapro.com/homestead/goatbreeds