Emus and ostriches are farmed globally for meat, leather, and oil, but their welfare needs as large cursorial birds are poorly understood and frequently unmet in intensive systems.
The unique biology of ratites creates specific welfare challenges. As cursorial birds designed for speed and distance, confinement causes chronic stress and stereotypic pacing. Ostriches are highly social but form complex dominance hierarchies that lead to serious injuries in mixed groups. Their powerful kick can also injure handlers, creating pressure to restrain birds in ways that cause fear and injury. Improved stocking densities, species-appropriate group compositions, and environmental enrichment are needed but rarely implemented commercially.