Ratite birds including ostriches and emus are farmed for meat, feathers, and leather, with welfare challenges arising from their large size and specialist needs.
Farmed ratites require large open spaces for normal behaviour including running and social interaction. Intensive confinement causes stereotypic pacing and social disruption. Feather plucking without sedation is painful. Transport of these large, excitable birds is extremely stressful. Morbidity and mortality in transit are high. Handling for health procedures is difficult and risks injury to both birds and handlers.