Ostriches are farmed primarily for leather, feathers, and meat, with welfare challenges from confinement of these large, fast birds that naturally roam vast savanna territories.
Farmed ostriches face welfare challenges from the mismatch between their natural ecology and farm conditions. Birds that run at high speed across savanna are confined to paddocks that prevent this fundamental behavior. Ostriches are easily stressed and panic readily, making routine management procedures significant welfare events. Poor handling during transport and slaughter causes extreme fear and can cause cardiac death from terror alone. The luxury leather market's demand for exotic materials drives a trade in animals whose welfare needs receive minimal regulatory attention.