A cracking new arrival

We have welcomed another new arrival with an emu chick hatching just in time for the Easter weekend.

The estate has seen the first of hopefully two eggs to hatch, only the second offspring to their resident pair of emus, Bounty and Biscuit. Emu eggs are not only a fascinating shade of green, but they are incubated and raised by dad, rather than mum.

Gemma Short, Lead keeper, said “Biscuit, the dad, is doing a great job so far of sitting on the eggs, leading to one hatching, and is now taking great care of the little one. He will protect the chick and teach them how to eat.

“In general, Biscuit is very calm and more approachable, whereas Bounty is a bit more energetic and food orientated.”

The chick was just 12cm in height when it hatched but should grow to 1.5 metres as an adult.

“It’s an exciting time at Family Farmyard, to welcome an emu chick, with hopefully another still to hatch, is a great achievement. I personally love the emu and having chicks around is something I’ve always wanted.”

The chick hasn't yet been sexed and will be discovered when it begins to vocalise.

Guests have the chance to see the new chick throughout Easter weekend during the last few days of Longleat’s Easter event, with their egg trail taking guests to explore Family Farmyard.