Ostriches are farmed globally for meat, leather and feathers, but their complex behavioral and social needs are poorly understood and frequently unmet in commercial production systems.
Ostrich farming presents welfare challenges distinct from those of poultry species. As large, visually-oriented birds adapted to open landscapes, ostriches are acutely sensitive to sudden movements and novel stimuli — triggering flight responses that cause injuries in enclosed spaces. Their social structure is flexible but they require species-appropriate groupings to avoid chronic stress and aggression. High chick mortality reflects the difficulty of replicating natural brooding conditions. Slaughter requires specialized handling to avoid the powerful kicks that can injure both handlers and birds during restraint. Feather plucking, practiced on live birds in some operations, is a significant welfare concern requiring regulatory attention.