Ostriches are farmed globally for meat, leather, and feathers. Their specific behavioural needs and sensitivity to stress make welfare in captive systems a significant concern.
Ostriches evolved in open savannah environments and are highly sensitive to captive conditions. Intensive housing causes stereotypic behaviours including pacing and feather pecking. Live feather harvesting — pulling feathers from conscious birds — is a significant welfare concern associated with luxury fashion brands. Slaughter practices often involve handling methods that cause panic. The relative lack of regulatory oversight compared to mainstream poultry leaves significant welfare gaps in ostrich production globally.