Farmed Emu and Ostrich: Welfare in Ratite Agriculture

Welfare challenges and best practices in the farming of ratites — emus and ostriches — large flightless birds raised for meat, leather, and oil.

Key Facts

Ostriches are the world's largest birds, reaching 150 kg and living up to 45 years in the wild; emus are Australia's largest native bird
Commercial ratite farming expanded rapidly in the 1990s but contracted when anticipated profits failed to materialise in many markets
Ostriches and emus retain strong wild instincts and can be highly stressed by close confinement, handling, and novel stimuli
Slaughter of ratites poses significant welfare challenges: the birds are large, powerful, and difficult to stun effectively
Ostriches farmed in South Africa are the main global supplier of ostrich leather, with welfare standards varying considerably
Both species have complex social structures and benefit from appropriate group housing and space to express natural behaviours
Stress in ostriches causes feather pecking and can lead to serious injuries; mortality from stress-related disease is a significant production concern

Welfare Considerations

Ratites present welfare challenges distinct from traditional poultry because they are essentially semi-domesticated wild animals. Their strong fear responses, complex social needs, and sensitivity to handling mean that welfare depends heavily on stockperson skill and appropriate husbandry design. Intensive confinement causes chronic stress with measurable physiological consequences. Slaughter is a particular concern: achieving effective stunning in a large, powerful, panicking bird requires specialist equipment and trained personnel that are not consistently available. The leather trade drives demand for ostrich farming in conditions that may prioritise hide quality over bird welfare. Robust welfare standards and third-party audits are needed throughout the ratite supply chain.

What You Can Do

If purchasing ostrich leather or meat products, seek suppliers with transparent welfare auditing and certification
Support the development of species-specific welfare standards for ratites in national and international legislation
Encourage research into humane slaughter methods specifically designed for ratites
Raise awareness that ratites are not simply large chickens — their wild instincts require a fundamentally different welfare approach
Consider whether the environmental and welfare costs of ratite products are reflected in purchasing decisions