Emu farming for oil, meat, and leather requires attention to the behavioral and physical needs of a large, fast-moving bird with specific social and spatial requirements.
Emu welfare in farming contexts requires provision of adequate space for locomotion and natural foraging behavior. Restricted environments cause chronic frustration in a species evolved for wide-ranging movement across Australian landscapes. Enrichment including varied substrates, foraging opportunities, and environmental complexity reduces stereotypic behaviors. Handling must be approached carefully as emus are powerful and can kick defensively; low-stress handling techniques reduce injury risk for both animals and handlers. Pre-slaughter handling and stunning protocols require species-specific adaptation for large ratites.