Emus and ostriches are farmed globally for meat, feathers, leather, and oil. As large, intelligent birds with specific behavioural needs, their welfare in farming systems deserves attention.
Ratite welfare presents unique challenges because these large birds are poorly understood compared to poultry, retain strong wild behavioural instincts, and are easily stressed by confinement and handling. Live feather plucking for fashion products causes clear welfare harm and should be avoided. Farms providing adequate space, appropriate social housing, and positive human socialisation from an early age achieve better welfare outcomes.