Limits on the addition of other sources of roughage or nutrients, such as alfalfa hay, may be recommended by the manufacturer. Protein contents vary from 16 to 22 percent. Water may be offered before food by about 12 hours. Grit is offered with the food although it is not necessary if feeding a processed commercial diet. Chicks are usually fed twice a day for about an hour.
Diets are usually in a small pellet or large crumble form for chicks.
Fiber content varies between 7 and 15 percent. Some nutritionists recommend fiber content between 5 and 10 percent. Breeders that are too fat do not appear to reproduce as well as those in normal condition. However, multiple daily feedings provide a time for interaction with the birds, making it easier to detect illness and control an individual bird's weight. Emu courtship consists of strutting and displaying the neck feathers by both the male and female.