Farmed Emu Welfare and Production Considerations

Emu farming for oil, meat and feathers raises specific welfare questions relating to these large, intelligent birds' behavioural and social needs.

Key Facts

Emus are the second-largest living bird species, native to Australia and farmed globally for oil, meat and leather
Emu oil derived from subcutaneous fat has established anti-inflammatory properties and commercial demand
Emus are curious, intelligent birds with complex sensory worlds and strong stress responses to poor handling
In the wild, emus travel vast distances — confinement requires provision of substantial space and enrichment
Emus can be aggressive, especially during breeding season, creating handling and stockmanship challenges
Welfare standards for emus lag significantly behind those for conventional poultry species

Welfare Considerations

Farmed emus face welfare challenges stemming from their size, intelligence and strong natural behaviours. Inadequate space, poor stockmanship and inappropriate social groupings cause chronic stress and injury. The emu farming industry has developed largely without robust welfare frameworks, meaning practices vary enormously. Establishing evidence-based welfare standards for emus is an important gap in current farm animal welfare policy.

What You Can Do

Research welfare standards before purchasing emu-derived products
Support organisations developing welfare guidelines for ratite species including emus
Advocate for inclusion of emu welfare standards in farm animal welfare legislation
Encourage emu producers to adopt enrichment and space allowances commensurate with species needs
Choose emu products only from producers who can document their welfare practices