Head to head
Ostrich Egg vs Emu Egg
Size, color, taste, price, and hatching compared.
Ostrich and emu eggs are the two giants you can actually buy and cook, but they differ in size, color, and price. Ostrich eggs are the larger of the two and creamy white, while emu eggs are smaller and a striking dark green. Here is how they compare.
Side by side
Ostrich vs Emu
| Feature | Ostrich | Emu |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | about 3 lb | 1 to 1.5 lb |
| Equals (chicken eggs) | about 24 | 10 to 12 |
| Shell color | creamy white | dark green |
| Taste | mild, creamy | rich, creamy |
| Incubation | about 42 days | 50 to 55 days |
| Eating price | $40 | $25 |
| Hatching price | $100 | $45 |
Which Should You Choose
For feeding a crowd, the ostrich egg is unbeatable on size. For everyday richness and value, the emu egg wins. For hatching, ostrich eggs are larger and faster to hatch but cost more, while emu eggs are gentler on the budget and take a little longer. For art, ostrich shells give a big ivory canvas and emu shells offer dramatic dark green color.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger?
Ostrich, at about 3 pounds versus 1 to 1.5 for emu.
Which is cheaper?
Emu. Eating eggs are $25 versus $40 for ostrich.
Which hatches faster?
Ostrich, at about 42 days versus 50 to 55 for emu.
Which tastes better?
Both are mild and creamy. Emu is richer, ostrich is the bigger showpiece.
Can I buy both?
Yes. Mix ostrich and emu eggs in one order.