Emus are farmed for oil, meat, and leather in Australia and several other countries. As large, intelligent birds with complex behavioural needs, their welfare in commercial settings requires specific attention to space, social conditions, and handling.
Emu welfare in commercial farming is an underexplored area given the relatively small scale of the industry compared to poultry or pig farming. However, the same fundamental welfare principles apply: these are large, cognitively active birds with needs for space, environmental complexity, and social stability that are difficult to meet in intensive systems. Feather pecking and aggression in overcrowded conditions indicate chronic frustration. The emu's powerful legs and defensive kicking behaviour make handling dangerous for both bird and handler — rough handling methods cause fear and injury. Pre-slaughter welfare standards for ratites (emus, ostriches) are less well developed than for conventional poultry, and improvement should be a priority as these industries expand. Consumer awareness and certification pressure can drive improvements faster than regulatory changes in small, specialised industries.