Ostriches are farmed for meat, leather, and feathers in South Africa and elsewhere. As large, intelligent, and flightless birds, their welfare needs differ significantly from conventional poultry.
Ostrich welfare in farming reflects their nature as large, fear-sensitive, social birds that are poorly suited to intensive farming systems. Fear responses during handling, capture, and slaughter are intense and difficult to manage humanely. Feather harvesting under restraint causes significant stress. Social housing in appropriate group sizes reduces chronic stress but requires space. Slaughter welfare requires stunning methods appropriate for large flightless birds. Consumer demand for ostrich leather and feathers from fashion and accessories industries drives production, and welfare standards in these supply chains are poorly regulated. Certification schemes for humanely produced ostrich products are nascent.