Farmed Ostrich Welfare and Exotic Livestock

Farmed ostriches have specific behavioral and social welfare needs that are frequently unmet in commercial production.

Key Facts

Ostriches are farmed for meat, leather, and feathers in South Africa, the Middle East, and increasingly globally
Ostriches are highly social birds that form small groups in the wild with complex social hierarchies
Isolation and inadequate space cause chronic stress and abnormal behaviors in farmed ostriches
Feather plucking from live ostriches for fashion feathers causes significant pain and distress
Ostriches can run at 70 km/h — confinement preventing normal movement causes frustration and health problems

Welfare Considerations

Farmed ostrich welfare receives little regulatory attention despite significant welfare concerns. These large, active, social birds are frequently kept in conditions that prevent normal movement, social behavior, and environmental complexity. Live feather plucking causes demonstrable pain. Consumer awareness of these issues is low, making demand reduction and advocacy for welfare standards the primary levers for improvement.

What You Can Do

Avoid ostrich leather and fashion feather products from unverified sources
Support welfare standards development for ostrich farming as this industry grows
Reduce consumption of exotic livestock products without welfare assurance
Advocate for inclusion of ostriches in farm animal welfare legislation coverage
Support organizations working on welfare standards for all farmed bird species