Farm Animals

Farmed Ostrich Welfare

Ostriches are increasingly farmed for meat, leather, and feathers, but their complex behavioural needs are often poorly accommodated.

Key Facts

Ostriches are the world's largest birds and are highly social animals
They can run at speeds up to 70 km/h and require large areas to roam
Intensive ostrich farming often restricts movement and social behaviour
Stress in ostriches is associated with stereotypies and feather pecking
Slaughter welfare for ostriches is an area of ongoing concern

Welfare Considerations

Ostriches have complex social, spatial, and behavioural needs that are frequently unmet in commercial systems. Improved space allowances, social housing, and humane slaughter protocols are urgently needed.

What You Can Do

Support ostrich farms that meet higher welfare standards
Reduce consumption of ostrich meat and leather from factory-farmed sources
Advocate for mandatory welfare standards for ostrich farming
Support research into ostrich behaviour and welfare indicators
Choose products certified to higher welfare standards where available