Ratite birds farmed for meat, eggs, and leather are large, fast, and psychologically complex animals whose welfare needs are often unmet.
Ostriches and emus are highly active birds that in nature cover vast territories daily. Commercial farming conditions that restrict movement to small paddocks prevent these natural behaviors and cause chronic frustration. Ostriches in particular show stereotypic behaviors like repetitive pacing and head movements under poor welfare conditions. The leather industry creates demand for intensive farming, and luxury consumers have significant power to drive welfare improvement through purchasing choices.