Chris Wilson Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 We have 2 male emus sitting on 2 clutches of eggs. One hatched 3 chicks out of 5 eggs about 10 days ago. I didn't think they were due to hatch for another week or so, and didn't get the netting around him in time, so one of the females killed his first chick. 3 eggs haven't hatched, so he's looking after 2 sound and healthy chicks, and still persisting with 3 eggs that are not going to do anything. The other male that's sitting has hatched one egg of seven so far, and the chick was born this morning, early. For some reason, despite being an experienced dad, he's rejected it, and I found it seemingly dead this evening. I was about to get rid of the corpse, which felt stone cold when I saw what looked like flicker of movement in a leg. dead things do that sort of trick sometimes, so I wasn't convinced, but nor did I want to chance it, so I popped it on the boiler in the utility room, and left it for a while. the darned things perked, and is chirping and moving. it's body temperature must have been near ambient, but they are tough things. Whether it's dad's rejected it for some sound biological reason I don't know, time will tell. I reckon it's got about a 10% chance of survival, which is about 15% more than I thought it had when I picked it up I don't want to hand rear it, as an imprinted emu is potentially dangerous as it won't have any fear of humans, so it's only chance is I can get it under the other male and it's daft enough to think it's hatched another chick. To top it all our pair of kookaburras have laid for the first time, and she's sat (for the most time), on 3 eggs. They are a bit fickle, by all accounts, but with luck we may have a family group shouting and laughing soon. Finally our alpha male Russian Black Terrier managed to kill the fox that's eluded my gun for months, I was walking him and his lady friend when the fox bolted some undergrowth. His lady friend saw it first, gave chase and struck lucky as the fox, looking over its shoulder more than where it was going, ran into some rabbit fencing and became momentarily disorientated. Mischka had a go, got a nip or two for her troubles, but Basil was onto it by then, and goodnight Mr Fox. He's spent the rest of the day strutting about and licking Mischka's rather undramatic, but milked for all their worth, two puncture wounds Fingers crossed for the little emu chick, nothing more to do than keep it quiet and warm, it'll live off it's egg sack for 48 hours or more, so I won't have to try and teach it to peck and drink for a bit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MARTIN R Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 fantastic pics Chris. Must be fantastic to have such a varied group of birds / animals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorin Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Great pics and good news Chris. Glad to hear you've finally got that fox too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Raven Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Cant help but feel bad for the fox, i know they are a pain but getting its neck ripped out isnt a nice way to go. Still better than getting chased dug up and tossed to the hounds. Good luck with the emus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darren-K Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 I love youre` birdies !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadow Beast Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 great pics chris, i assume the one looking "DEAD" was the one that sat on the boiler for a bit? bless the little guy, good news on the fox my dad got one the other night with the air rifle, i was not out with him but by all accounts it was a good shot! 86 yards with a .22 rapid 12! 50 ft lbs! richie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustGav Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Impressed as always... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted April 24, 2008 Author Share Posted April 24, 2008 Boris is an expert dispatcher, it didn't suffer at all. Mr Fox has had his share of a full belly and plenty of killing things for the hell of it, it's the luck of the draw, if he'd come across some of the other dogs he'd have gotten away, but these 2 take no prisoners. Funny things dogs, Boris and Mischka HATE foxes, but ignore rabbits altogether, his son lives for catching rabbits and thinks foxes are just poo generators, for him to roll in. The actual beast itself holds no interest for him at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Wow, spring time at the Wilson Zoo. I've seen loads of young birds of prey fallen foul of traffic just recently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Raven Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Boris is an expert dispatcher, it didn't suffer at all. Mr Fox has had his share of a full belly and plenty of killing things for the hell of it, it's the luck of the draw, if he'd come across some of the other dogs he'd have gotten away, but these 2 take no prisoners. Funny things dogs, Boris and Mischka HATE foxes, but ignore rabbits altogether, his son lives for catching rabbits and thinks foxes are just poo generators, for him to roll in. The actual beast itself holds no interest for him at all. My little terrier is after the one here that keeps setting my yard alarms off everynight. Bless him he thinks hes bigger than he is im hoping he dont find it as he might get hurt. Atleast the badgers have moved on evil things them. Rabbits are 4 and 0 vs the dog. had 3 rats too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShamelessTT Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Always shocks me how the males sit on the eggs!!! I love emus, such characters and pretty nifty on the old head butting if you get on the wrong side of one i believe lol. Hope the chick pulls through and your a good stand in dad. They are well cute! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted April 24, 2008 Author Share Posted April 24, 2008 He was on his feet a bit ago, and he's squeaking and chirping. Good signs, but very early days, we'll see what the dawn brings. ShamelessTT: Cassowaries head butt, they have a casque of horn (actually hard hair) on their heads and run at things, head down, they also have a dagger sharp toe that is good at slicing your guts open. Jane refuses to have one around, me, I'd love a pair http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassowary http://www.ppne.co.uk/index.php?m=browse&id=52 Emus and ostriches kick, but they can only kick forwards or sideways, they can't bend the knee joint backwards at all, so you ALWAYS stay behind nasty ones. I am sure that's very useful info for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs H Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Can I come and live with you Chris? I'll feed and clean up after your animals, you look after my car? Deal, eh?.... EDIT - This was H and not Mrs H as that just wouldn't be right would it?? LOL! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DamanC Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 I do like your Zoo Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted April 24, 2008 Author Share Posted April 24, 2008 I have just asked the wife, she say's that's fine, she gives you 2 days max though, any longer than that and she says you must be a masochist or something I think if people knew just how much hard work it is they'd have us certified! In the good weather it's not too bad, great even, but when it's minus 4 and windy, or persisting down for days, that's when you question your sanity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted April 25, 2008 Author Share Posted April 25, 2008 It's still alive and quite strong, but I have a gut feeling it's not quite "right". It may have some neurological damage, maybe through trauma or getting so cold. If it isn't on it's feet by Monday I will have to do the right thing, which is very sad, as we have both struggled together today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveR Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 It's still alive and quite strong, but I have a gut feeling it's not quite "right". It may have some neurological damage, maybe through trauma or getting so cold. He should fit in quite well round your gaff then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted April 25, 2008 Author Share Posted April 25, 2008 There's only room for one nutter round here, and Jane's staying Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveR Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 There's only room for one nutter round here, and Jane's staying I'm going to print that and bring it with me if we have that Summer mini-meet at yours Chris. EDIT - on second thoughts, no, I won't; you might set the eagles on me or similar! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted April 25, 2008 Author Share Posted April 25, 2008 As I have had a few e-mails asking how he (or she) is doing I have just taken another pic, it's definitely looking better than yesterday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jevansio Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 Awwwww Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharpie Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 Doing a grand job Mr W. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted August 14, 2008 Author Share Posted August 14, 2008 Just as a follow up, this is what the chick looks like as of this evening. He's imprinted, thinks I am his dad, follows like a dog, lets me pick him up, will sort of sit on command, and loves being hand fed and playing chase games. Bit of a difference, huh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supragal Posted August 14, 2008 Share Posted August 14, 2008 I want a peacock!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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