Local emu ranch is one of country's leading producers of bird byproduct

Shiny blue heads, rustling feathers, long necks and big, bright eyes aside, perhaps the most peculiar feature of the emu is the sound the female makes by expanding an air sac in her chest: a deep drum-like noise - resembling the rumble of a subwoofer - that is audible for two miles.

At Don and Penni Collins' emu ranch, the large flightless birds come in two varieties: the breeders, which peck about their enclosed runs with a stately and comedic dignity, and the hatchlings, which are actually quite big and prance about in herds while their little black heads bob and weave in time.

The Collinses started Montana Emu Ranch Co., Inc. in 1993 on a 4-acre farm on Whitefish Stage Road. They began their business with four birds, a pair of chicks and a pair of yearlings.

"To make a living in Montana you've got to be creative," Don said. "We are leaders in the country in emu oil products."

At their current location west of Kalispell, the Collinses have about 45 breeding birds. Those breeders collectively lay about 80 eggs each year, usually in February blizzards, Don joked. The Collinses incubate the eggs in a century-old converted dairy barn.

Those chicks, when they reach 14 months of age, are processed for their meat and oil after they overstay their welcome by eating through 11 tons of feed every two weeks. The birds have never been given hormones or antibiotics. Emu oil is said to have healing qualities and help the body process vitamins and nutritional supplements more easily.

"I believe in natural products," Collins said. "I believe there's a lot of disease related to the toxicity of conventional products, like artificial colors, fragrances and chemically derived ingredients."

The oil, which is rendered from emu fat, is used to make liniments for aches and pains, lotions, hair products and soaps.

Though the emu industry peaked in 1993, Collins maintains that it was the decision to create a product rather than simply process the animals for their meat that has insured the success of his business.

When Don and Penni decided to start their business, they knew a combination of their professional skills would help them be viable.

Don worked at Fun Beverage and Penni at Leland's.

"We took my sales skills, her management skills, put them together and started this company," he said. "We didn't have any kids we were responsible for and we were young enough we felt we could get our jobs back [if things didn't work out]. Now we are enjoying a lifestyle we wouldn't have had if we hadn't gone out on our own."

Collins encourages would-be entrepreneurs to do the same.

"Don't be afraid to pursue your dreams," he said. "If you've got an idea, try it."

The emu rancher said anyone interested in raising emus themselves should contact him.

One of the most important parts of the business, Collins said, is that he and his wife use local manufacturers to support the local economy. Collins said he employs five people directly, but couldn't guess at how many indirectly.

"We support local business and agriculture," Collins said. "I'm a redneck at heart. There's so few products you can buy that are made in America."

On the Net:

www.montanaemuranch.com

Reporter K.J. Hascall may be reached at 758-4439 or by e-mail at kjhascall@dailyinterlake.com