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. Allow emu to pair naturally from a communal pen or across a fence, and then move them to a breeder pen together. Non-compatible birds will fight.
Many emu begin producing in their second year.
Emu lay eggs in the winter months, usually between November and March. Eggs are laid every 3 or 4 days, with an average of 30 eggs laid per season. Some may produce up to 50 eggs per season. The incubation period for emu eggs is 46 to 56 days with an average of 50 days. Length of incubation is greatly influenced by temperature.