Seasonal and daily changes in the behaviour of the adult emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) under farm conditions

ABSTRACT

1. The aim of this study was to present selected elements of emu behaviour in three different seasons (the non-breeding season, the pre-breeding season and the breeding season) and in the morning and afternoon. The study focused on feed, water and sand intake; plumage care; resting; agonistic behaviour and other activities, mostly standing still, aimless walking or observing the surroundings.

2. The troop consisted of 11 emus (5 females and 6 males) aged 12 years, kept in a free-range system. Observations were carried out during a period of 3 weeks in each season, during which 60-min observation sessions took place on 3 randomly chosen days.

3. A significant effect was found of each season on the behaviour patterns related to feeding, sand intake, plumage care, resting and agonistic behaviour.

4. Time of day affected the behaviour associated with the collection of food and water, foraging, pecking and ingesting sand and plumage preening.

5. Most of the time, regardless of season and time of day, the emus were standing still, walking aimlessly or observing the surrounding area.

KEYWORDS:

• Agonistic behaviour
• behaviour
• emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
• feed intake
• plumage preening

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.