Welfare of Farmed Ostriches During Heat Stress

Ostriches farmed in regions outside their native African climate face welfare challenges from temperature extremes, particularly heat stress.

Key Facts

Ostriches are native to hot African savannas but are farmed in temperate regions
Despite being heat-adapted, intensive farming can cause heat stress in summer
They cannot regulate temperature through panting as effectively as birds with smaller body mass
Shade provision and misting systems significantly reduce heat stress
Water consumption increases dramatically during heat events requiring adequate supply management

Welfare Considerations

Farmed ostriches in regions without adequate shade experience thermal stress during summer heat events. Their large body mass means heat dissipation is challenging even for a heat-adapted species. Heat stress causes reduced feed consumption, behavioral agitation, and reproductive failure. In extreme events, mortality from heat stroke occurs. Slaughter of birds during heat stress produces poor quality meat providing economic incentive alongside welfare reasons to manage heat properly. Shade structures and misting systems represent essential welfare infrastructure.

What You Can Do

Support ostrich farm welfare standards requiring shade provision
Advocate for temperature monitoring requirements in ostrich farming regulations
Choose ostrich products from farms with certified welfare standards
Learn about humane ostrich farming practices when evaluating product sourcing