Ostrich Farming Welfare: Space, Social Needs, and Slaughter Concerns

Ostrich farming for leather, feathers, and meat raises significant welfare concerns, with these highly mobile social birds poorly suited to the confined conditions of most commercial operations.

Key Facts

Ostriches are the largest living birds, reaching 2.7 metres tall and 156 kg, with natural running speeds of up to 70 km/h
Wild ostriches live in social groups and roam territories of 2-20 km2 — commercial confinement severely restricts movement
Leg problems are the leading welfare concern in farmed ostriches, exacerbated by inappropriate flooring and restricted movement
The South African ostrich industry dominates global production, with limited welfare regulation compared to other farmed species
Pre-slaughter handling stress is a major welfare concern — ostriches are highly susceptible to capture myopathy from stressed restraint

Welfare Considerations

Ostrich farming welfare is poorly standardised compared to other farmed species, and the extreme contrast between natural ranging behaviour and commercial confinement creates significant welfare concern. The welfare minimum for farmed ostriches requires space sufficient for running, social housing in compatible groups, and appropriate substrate to prevent leg problems. Pre-slaughter welfare is particularly critical — capture myopathy risk requires careful low-stress handling protocols and rapid stunning. Consumer demand for certified products is limited by poor welfare standard development in this sector.

What You Can Do

Reduce or eliminate purchases of ostrich leather products given the poor welfare standards in most operations
Support development of species-specific welfare standards for farmed ostriches
Advocate for inclusion of ratite species in national farmed animal welfare legislation