If you know anything at all about emus, you know they are truly humongous birds. And all birds lay eggs, so that means emus lay eggs – duh!
Whether you’re just curious about the emu fad that’s going around these days or you’re considering getting a mob of your own as pets or livestock, it’s good to learn more about and that includes their eggs. So, just how big is an emu egg, anyway?
Yes, emu eggs are quite big. An emu egg is anywhere from 5 to 6 inches tall, 4 inches wide on average at the widest point, and weighs anywhere from 1 to 2 pounds. They dwarf chicken eggs!
Not much of a surprise here, but if you’ve never seen an emu egg in life, you’re going to be astounded at just how big they really are. They will totally fill up your hand and then some. But there’s a lot more to learn about emu eggs and the amazing birds that lay them, so keep reading.
How Tall is an Emu Egg?
An emu egg is anywhere from 5 to 6 inches tall, and on average is about 5 ½ inches tall. This is twice the height of a jumbo chicken egg, and nearly 3 times the height of eggs from smaller breeds.
What’s the Width of an Emu Egg?
An emu egg is anywhere from 3 to 4 inches wide at the widest point, but of course, they have a tapering, elliptical shape like most other bird eggs. They will be a little narrower at either end, and widest in the middle.
How About the Circumference?
The circumference of an emu egg depends on just how big the egg itself is, but is anywhere from 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cms) when measured at the widest point. That’s a girthy egg for sure!
How Much Does an Emu Egg Weigh?
Emu eggs are impressively hefty, and weigh anywhere from 1 to 2 pounds depending on the size of the yoke and albumen. The average is about 1 ½ pounds.
That doesn’t sound like a lot of weight, and in the grand scheme of things I don’t guess it is, but compared to any other egg you’ve ever handled, from any animal, it will seem almost paranormal once you have one in your hands. They really do have some heft to them!
What’s the Volume?
An emu egg has an internal volume of about 1 pint, or at most about 1 1/3 pints. That is a huge amount of space compared to even the largest chicken egg, and rivaled by very few other bird species on earth, including their larger relative the ostrich.
How Much Bigger Is an Emu Egg Compared to a Chicken Egg?
Massively. If you look at an emu and a chicken egg side by side, there’s no comparison and no mistaking them. Even eggs laid by a Jersey Giant are nowhere close to the size of an emu egg.
Depending on the breed of chicken in question, an emu egg is anywhere from 8 to 12 times bigger in overall size and mass compared to any chicken egg.
This isn’t to say that one emu can replace 12 chickens, because economy of scale is a thing and chickens lay eggs a whole lot quicker than emus, but if you’re looking at the wrong numbers they don’t lie.
How Many Chicken Eggs Equal One Emu Egg for Breakfast?
Emu eggs are edible, and absolutely delicious, with many people giving them high marks compared to chicken and even duck eggs. So, how many chicken eggs would it take to replace one massive emu egg at the breakfast table?
If you’re going to whip up some scrambled eggs, you’ll need at least eight chicken eggs to equal one emu egg, and if you have a smaller breed in your flock you’ll need 12. A whole carton! I know it’s true and I still can’t believe it…
Emu eggs are rich, creamy, and have a fluffy but thick texture when scrambled. They are truly scrumptious!
For Fun: How Many Desserts Could One Emu Egg Make?
Let’s say you’ve got to make desserts for a huge crowd. Maybe your extended family is on the way to visit. Maybe the surprise party is starting soon and you’re already running late. Whatever!
You need to make a lot of desserts and do it fast. How many batches of desserts could you make with a single emu egg?
Based on standard serving sizes, one emu egg could, at the least, make 4 batches of brownies, 8 dozen cookies, two cheesecakes, or 6 to 8 pie crusts. Not bad at all! And remember, emus usually lay 5 to 10 eggs in a clutch.
Now that will make a lot of desserts!
Tom has built and remodeled homes, generated his own electricity, grown his own food and more, all in quest of remaining as independent of society as possible. Now he shares his experiences and hard-earned lessons with readers around the country.
Find out more about the team here.