Ostriches are farmed for leather, feathers, and meat across Africa, the Americas, and Europe, with welfare challenges arising from their large size and behavioral complexity.
Ostrich farming presents welfare challenges that differ substantially from conventional poultry production. Ostriches are long-lived (up to 40 years) and develop complex pair and group social bonds — production systems that prevent pair formation cause measurable stress. Their locomotion needs are extreme: confined ostriches develop leg problems and stereotypic pacing that indicate compromised welfare. The feather harvest process — plucking feathers from conscious birds — has been widely condemned by welfare organizations as painful, and most certified operations now use shed feathers only or slaughter before feather collection. Slaughter in mobile units at farm locations reduces transport stress, which is a significant welfare concern for ostriches given their sensitivity to handling and confinement.