I've been looking on eBay for some interesting hatching eggs for my incubator and came across a site from which I could purchase ostrich, emu and rhea eggs.

I know that they can adapt easily to the UK climate.

Do I need a dangerous animals license to keep them?

Would I need a heard to keep them happy?

Could one of my silkies succesfully mother them? Or would the chick be bigger than the hen?!

Okay, it's such an odd topic I couldn't resist looking around for answers .

First, DEFRA restrictions on the import of birds and eggs, largely due to avian flu:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/n...nda/imports.htm

If the site's in the UK, though, I presume no problem.

Second, yes you need a licence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act. This page seems to be a good FAQ:

http://www.leicestershireemus.com/livestock.html#license

The page also says to get a pair.