Ostriches are farmed worldwide for feathers, leather, meat, and eggs. As large, fast-moving birds, they have specific welfare needs that differ significantly from conventional poultry.
Ostrich welfare is compromised by space restriction, inappropriate group composition, and stressful handling practices. High-density housing prevents natural running and social behavior, leading to stereotypic pacing and aggression. Feather plucking from live birds — practiced in the feather industry — causes significant acute pain and stress, with birds showing fear responses during the procedure. Slaughter welfare requires species-specific stunning equipment as conventional poultry methods are inadequate. Greater transparency in the ostrich farming industry and stronger welfare standards are needed to address these systemic problems.