A young emu found wandering a Brisbane suburb is recovering well after almost dying in a lengthy surgery to remove nails, roofing screws and a tile from its stomach.

Key points: The juvenile emu, was rescued on Wednesday after roaming the streets in southern Brisbane

The juvenile emu, was rescued on Wednesday after roaming the streets in southern Brisbane Nails, roofing screws, tiles and rocks were found in his stomach

Nails, roofing screws, tiles and rocks were found in his stomach The emu died on the operating table but was brought back to life and is recovering well

The emu, affectionately named Leggy by rescuers, was captured on Wednesday, with an X-ray revealing its perilous condition.

RSPCA chief executive Mark Townend said the emu almost did not make it during the 2.5-hour surgery overnight.

"She actually passed on the table and then she was OK," he said.

"They worked on that little guy and she survived.

The emu underwent surgery after an X-ray revealed her stomach contents. ( Supplied: RSPCA )

"There was actually one little nail stuck in there, they had to pack her up and move her off the operating table and back into the X-ray area and take another X-ray.

"I have been down there to see her this morning and she is standing up and going well."

The RSCPA came to the rescue after receiving calls the forager was roaming aimlessly in Eight Mile Plains, in southern Brisbane.

Leggy is the first emu that has come into the care of the RSPCA.

Scraps were found in the emu's stomach. ( Supplied: RSPCA )

Items pulled from her stomach and intestines included rocks, tiles and roofing screws.

"Just unbelievable," Mr Townend said.

The big concern now is ensuring the six-kilogram bird did not get an infection.

RSPCA inspectors have tracked down the person who was keeping Leggy, and fines could apply.

The juvenile was roaming Eight Mile Plains on Wednesday. ( Supplied: RSPCA )

"Penalties in the thousands of dollars can be imposed but generally the Queensland Department of Environment and Science hasn't been keen to enforce them," he said.

"Normally neighbours would report the keeping of Crown animals to authorities but it didn't happen in this instance.

"But the key message the RSPCA wants to get out is you can't keep emus as pets.

"It is really about education as they are wild animals and should not be kept in yards."

The RSPCA said they will work with a specialised emu carer, in hopes of releasing Leggy into the wild.

"Whether she can fend for herself is another matter," he said.

"Maybe it's still young enough that those traits can be taught."