COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 21.03.1997 
COM(97) 121 final 
COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL 
concerning 
the Community vote on a proposal within the 
Standing Committee of the European Convention for the 
Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes 

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL 
concerning 
the Community vote on a proposal within the 
Standing Committee of the European Convention for the 
Protection of Animals kept for Farming Purposes 
A. The Community is a contracting party to the European Convention for the Protection of 
Animals Kept for Farming Purposes. The Standing Committee established by the 
Convention (hereinafter referred to as "the Committee") is responsible for issuing 
recommendations and opinions concerning the protection of farm animals. 
Within the Committee the Community, in the fields in which it has the competence, 
exercises its right to vote with the same number of votes as the number of its Member 
States being parties to the Convention. All Community Member States are parties to the 
Convention. 
The Committee has drawn up a proposal for: 
a recommendation concerning ratites (document T-AP (94) 1, Final revision, 
(annexed); 
The proposal has been the subject of detailed discussion by the Committee and is ready 
to be voted upon at the next session of the Committee in April 1997. 
B. The Commission proposes to the Council to authorise the Commission: 
to exercise the Community vote in favour of the proposal; 
to co-ordinate the Community voting position on the spot if the proposal is 
amended before a vote is taken. 
Council of Europe - -1 Q. -
Conseil de l'Europe * * * 
* * 
* * 
* * 
* * * 
Strasbourg, 18 February 1997 T-AP (94) 1 
Final revision 
STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE EUROPEAN CONVENTION 
FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANIMALS 
KEPT FOR FARMING PURPOSES (T-AP) 
33rd meeting 
Strasbourg, 22 - 25 April 1997 
DRAFT RECOMMENDATION CONCERNING RATITES 
(Ostriches, Emus and Rheas) 
revised by the Bureau at its meeting on 18-20 February 1997 
2-
PREAMBLE 
The Standing Committee of the European Convention on the Protection of Animals kept for Farming 
Purposes, 
Having regard to its responsibilities under Article 9 of the Convention for the elaboration and 
adoption of Recommendations to the Parties containing detailed provisions for the implementation 
of the principles set out in Chapter I of the Convention based on scientific knowledge concerning 
the various species of animals; 
Aware also of the established experience in the implementation of the principles of animal 
welfare set out in Articles 3 to 7 of the Convention; 
Considering that ratite farming should not be undertaken lightly and that anyone farming 
them has to be certain that they are able and willing to devote the finance and time needed to ensure 
the birds' health and welfare; 
Considering the current high morbidity and mortality in many ratites sites compared with 
domesticated farm animal species and considering the fact that ratites, as not domesticated but still 
principally wild animals, are extremely susceptible to stress, prevention of stress in the animals by 
fulfilling their natural health and behaviour requirements is of the utmost importance; 
Aware that the basic requirements for the health and welfare of livestock consist of good 
stockmanship, husbandry systems appropriate to the biological needs of the animals, and suitable 
environmental factors, so that the conditions under which ratites are kept fulfil the need for 
appropriate nutrition and methods of feeding, freedom of movement, physical comfort, the need to 
perform normal behaviour and the need for protection against adverse climatic conditions, attack 
by predators, injury, infestation and disease or behavioural disorder, as well as other essential needs 
as may be identified by established experience or scientific knowledge; 
Concerned by the fact that the scientific knowledge and practical experience of keeping 
ratites under European conditions are limited and that therefore there is a great risk that producers 
attempt to introduce husbandry methods which are not suitable for the health and welfare of ratites; 
Bearing in mind that the environment and management have to fulfil the animal's biological 
needs rather than trying to "adapt" the animals to the environment by procedures such as 
mutilations; 
Considering that further research on the welfare and health of ratites should be encouraged 
and that relevant provisions in the Recommendation shall be reviewed in the light of new scientific 
evidence; 
Has adopted the following Recommendation concerning ratites. 
-3-
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
Article 1 
1. This Recommendation applies to all ratites of the species ostrich, emu and common rhea 
bred or kept for the production of food, skin, feathers or other farming purposes. 
2. Special provisions contained in Appendices to this Recommendation constitute an integral 
part thereof. 
Article 2 
1. No ratite taken from the wild shall be kept for farming purposes. 
2. Nothing in this Recommendation shall affect the implementation of other instruments for the 
protection of animals or for the conservation of wild species. 
V 
3. No ratites of any species shall be kept for farming purposes if: 
a. the conditions of this Recommendation cannot be met, or if 
b. the animal belongs to a species whose members, despite these conditions being met, 
cannot adapt to captivity without welfare problem. 
BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF RATITES 
(Struthio camelus, Rhea americana and Dromaius novaehollandiae) 
Article 3 
1. When considering husbandry practices it should be borne in mind that some important 
biological characteristics of ratites £fre as follows: 
2. Ratites are large, long necked, terrestrial birds with powerful legs adapted for running. 
Male ostriches may grow to a height of more than 2 metres and females to about 
2 metres and weigh up to 160 kg and 110 kg respectively. 
Under natural conditions, ostriches will daily range over an area of an average radius 
of up to 20 km in search of food. 
Emus and rheas are smaller, reaching heights of up to 1.9 metres and 1.5 metres and 
weights of 55 kg and 40 kg respectively. 
In ratites defence against predators depends on high vigilance based on acute vision and avoidance 
behaviour, including running away at high speeds. 
Ostriches run at up to 70 kph and rheas are able to turn at right angles to alter 
course suddenly. 
Under natural conditions, ostriches may reach ages of more than 50 years. 
-4-
3. In the wild ratites are typically gregarious animals and their groups have a complex social 
structure. Group size depends on the natural resources available and the breeding status. Both males 
and females demonstrate considerable aggression. In the breeding season, a monogamous bond is 
formed, the larger female being dominant. A large territory is defended during laying. 
Breeding groups of ostriches usually consist of one territorial male to 2 to 4 hens, 
one being the major hen. Construction of the nest, incubation of eggs and rearing the 
young is shared between the major hen and the male. 
Rheas may congregate in mixed flocks, breaking up in the breeding season when 
males become generally solitary, females form small cohesive groups and yearlings 
remain as a flock. 
Emus in the wild may be found alone, in pairs or in small groups. 
In emus and rheas, the male alone incubates and rears the chicks. 
During the breeding season ratites, especially males, usually become protective and may become 
aggressive. Chicks are precocious and leave the nest within a few days. 
They are accompanied and protected by an adult, in ostriches for up to 9 months, 
and in emu, possibly for up to even 18 months. 
4. Imprinting on, and habituation to, humans is possible and, in general, ratites are inquisitive 
and will respond to human contact. However, they remain animals which could be dangerous to 
man. 
5. Ratites are mainly herbivorous, occasionally supplementing their diet with insects and small 
vertebrates. Ratites need a certain amount of grit (small stones) to aid digestion of coarse material. 
They readily swallow all kinds of foreign bodies. 
6. ' Ostriches and emus lack a preen gland and so do not have the ability to oil their feathers 
to provide a waterproof plumage. 
7. Ratites are diurnal. Activity is mostly divided among feeding, walking, running, standing 
alert, preening and dust bathing. 
Ostriches will bathe and emus and rheas will bathe and swim in water if it is provided. 
STOCKMANSHIP AND INSPECTION OF RATITES 
Article 4 
1. Those who handle ratites must be familiar with their behaviour and be competent in their 
handling and management. They must be aware of the signs of disease or stress. This competence 
shall be assessed by a body in accordance with national legislation. 
2. Prior to birds' arrival on a newly established farm a substantial period of training including 
practical experience is necessary for those who will handle ratites. Training shall include items listed 
in Appendix 1. Continued training is considered essential. 
3. The possibility of official authorisation ^should be considered prior to setting up a farm for 
ratites. 
-5-
Article 5 
1. It is essential for the stockman to have close contact with ratites, particularly when the birds 
are young, to train them to respond to a distinctive call or inducement such as feed; and to continue 
this practice throughout their lives. 
2. Before discarding any eggs, care should be taken to ensure that they do not contain any 
living embryos. If hatched artificially and without an adult ostrich or other bird being present, young 
chicks will congregate and remain inactive and may develop leg problems and problems of feeding 
behaviour. They shall therefore be encouraged to move around and be given specific care. Chicks 
are stimulated by an enriched environment. Those looking after young chicks shall visit them as 
frequently as possible each day and shall spend a significant amount of time with them to encourage 
them to feed, exercise and play. 
3. As filial imprinting by chicks is important, careful consideration must be given as to how 
to give the chicks a suitable "parent figure" within the two days following hatching. If the chick 
worker is to fulfil this role, it should be observed that she or he has to be with the chicks for nearly 
the entire day as separation from the parent figure causes considerable distress to the chicks. 
Moreover, the replacement of this person by an adult bird in due time should be considered in order 
to avoid sexual imprinting. 
Article 6 
1. Manual restraint is potentially dangerous to both handler and birds as ratites tend to react 
very quickly when frightened, frequently jumping and flailing with their strong legs. The wings and 
in particular the toenails can inflict serious injury on the handler or bird. Catching, handling and 
movement of ratites require special skills, in particular as stress due to capture and restraint has been 
implicated as a significant cause of fatalities. They should be handled gently and never rushed, 
taking advantage of the fact that they are better handled in subdued light. Hitting and prodding the 
birds shall be prohibited, including the use of an electrical baton. Technical details are presented in 
Appendix 2. 
2. Chemical restraint shall not be used as a matter of routine to capture ratites. Due to the 
potential dangers of injury during recovery, chemical restraint should only be used as a last resort 
and always under veterinary supervision. 
Article 7 
Ratites kept for farming purposes shall not be used to achieve any other goal, including 
public spectacles or demonstrations, in particular ostriches shall not be ridden or raced. 
Article 8 
1. Ratites must be thoroughly inspected at least twice each day. Sick or injured birds must be 
segregated, when appropriate. At night a source of light strong enough for each bird to be seen 
clearly shall be available for the purpose of this inspection. If the birds are apparently not in good 
health, have difficulty in feeding or drinking or show signs of abnormal behaviour such as 
feather-pecking or stereotyped pacing, the stockman must take immediate steps to establish the cause 
and take immediate remedial action. If the remedial action taken by the stockman is not effective, 
a veterinarian or other expert must be consulted. 
2. Pens and enclosures shall be inspected initially before the birds are admitted and cleared of 
any foreign objects which could be swallowed. Thereafter pens and enclosures shall be checked 
daily. 
-6-
3. During the breeding season, the birds shall be disturbed as little as possible and they shall 
where possible be attended only by the stockman known to them. 
4. Mature birds shall be treated with caution at all times in order to avoid stress to the animals 
and panic reactions which could become dangerous for both animals and stockmen. 
ENCLOSURES, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT 
Article 9 
1. Farms shall be situated only in areas where climatic and other conditions allow birds to be 
kept outside most of the daytime in any season and where large areas of well-drained land can offer 
enough space for their need for exercise and grazing. 
2. When accommodation for ratites is being considered all external environmental factors, such 
as noise, light, vibration, atmospheric conditions, pollution and risks such as fire and flood should 
be taken into account. Paddocks shall be established only on well drained soil and shall give access 
to shelters. 
Article 10 
1. Suitable, properly constructed handling facilities must be provided and specialised equipment 
must be used, in particular as fast flight is the natural ratite reaction in all fearful situations. 
2. Suitably designed and constructed loading facilities and vehicles must be available. In 
particular, vehicle ramps shall allow birds to be loaded and unloaded without force. 
Article 11 
1. There must be a fence or other adequate barrier to prevent the escape of the birds from the 
farm and to make it difficult for unauthorised persons and predators to enter. 
2. Fences shall be designed and constructed to prevent birds from becoming trapped in them 
or being injured. If mesh fences are used the mesh size must be such as to prevent the birds' heads 
and legs being caught. Fences shall be strong enough but elastic enough to withstand a bird's 
collision with them without causing injury. Fences must be highly visible to the birds to avoid 
collisions with fences when running fast. Adjacent paddocks for adult 
animals must be separated by a system which prevents aggressive interactions between birds, for 
example double fences with enough distance between them, simple fences with wind-breaker or 
natural hedge. Barbed wire must not be used. The use of electric fencing shall be discouraged. 
3. Warning notices about the danger to birds of disturbance or of objects thrown into the 
enclosure and the danger to people who might enter the enclosure shall be placed in prominent 
places outside the enclosures. 
Article 12 
1. When young or segregated birds have to be housed for longer periods, additional space shall 
be provided to fully meet the exercise needs of the birds. 
2. There shall be sufficient trough space or feeding and water points to allow all animals to eat 
at the same time and designed so as to avoid undue competition for food, especially when it is 
rationed. 
7 -
3. Housing shall be dry, well ventilated and draught free. Heating devices must be available 
when necessary to safeguard the animal's health and welfare. 
4. Pens must have natural light and be equipped with additional artificial lighting where birds 
are temporarily confined indoors as ratites must have a light regime equivalent to 10 to 12 hours 
of daylight conditions. Additional artificial light systems designed so as to imitate natural light must 
be constructed so as not to cause health risks. 
5. Floors of enclosures must be easy to clean and non-slippery, and preferably be solid. For 
young chicks insulated or heated flooring may be necessary. 
6. All electrical installations at mains voltage shall be inaccessible to the ratites, well-insulated, 
safeguarded from rodents. 
7. Pens shall be designed so that contact between breeding groups during the breeding period 
does not cause unnecessary stress. 
Article 13 
1. Paddocks shall have adequate space and cover to allow individuals to escape the unwelcome 
attentions of other birds, should be designed so as to prevent physical contact between different 
breeding groups and shall ensure that contact between birds does not cause unnecessary stress. A 
visual barrier between paddocks containing different breeding groups is recommended. 
2. The paddock shall have a long side so the birds are able to run and no side shall be too short 
so as to cause risk of injuries for birds running at high speed. Acute angles between two sides must 
be avoided so as to prevent subordinate animals becoming trapped. 
3. A freely accessible shelter or pen must be provided to protect the birds from adverse weather 
conditions in particular rain, snow and sunlight. 
4. Emus shall be provided with water for bathing, other than young chicks, which may drown 
even in shallow water. 
5. In the case of natural breeding, provision must be made for suitable nesting areas. 
MANAGEMENT 
Article 14 
1. In the management routine, it must be kept in mind that ratites are principally wild animals. 
Ratites of all ages can become stressed by changes in routine and, when unnecessary, these should 
be avoided. 
2. a. Stock chosen for breeding must be fit, healthy and show no physical or behavioural 
abnormality. 
b. Ratites are very sensitive to sound. Constant noise, even at low levels, must therefore 
be avoided and animals should be protected against sudden noise. 
8 -
3. Ratites shall not be permanently housed. 
4. Unless this is totally prevented by exceptional adverse weather conditions, ratites older than 
three months shall be given access to outside areas each day. However, if the animals are kept 
indoors, this period shall be as short as possible and never last more than 10 days per month. 
5. Ratites shall be provided with dust bathing facilities. 
6. To promote a normal behavioural and physical development, chicks older than 3 days must 
be encouraged to exercise outside at least four times each day for increasing periods of time. Under 
adverse weather conditions, this exercise shall be taken inside. For protection against climatic 
conditions the ratites shall be trained to utilize the shelters or houses during adverse weather 
conditions. Birds should be prevented from becoming excessively wet. 
7. In order to provide young birds with as natural an environment as possible and early access 
to outside areas, hatching during the winter should be avoided. 
8. Ratites must not be kept individually except for very aggressive birds or, when necessary, 
sick, injured or bullied birds. 
When kept individually birds must have sight and sound of other birds except when 
veterinary advice decrees otherwise. 
9. Considering the distress for the animals and the risk of suffering, special care shall be taken 
when ratites are transported and transport shall be minimised as far as possible; therefore the 
slaughter of ratites on farms should be considered. 
Article 15 
1. Enough space must be given each animal and group of animals. Overstocking increases the 
risk of abnormal behaviour such as excessive fighting, feather-pecking and of stress-related diseases. 
2. The group size shall be decided depending on the age and sex of the animals and taking the 
available area into consideration. 
3. If more than one breeding group is kept in a single area, sufficient extra space, cover and 
the possibility to separate groups in the case of severe fighting are especially important. 
Article 1'6 
1. The use of bedding is recommended for maintenance of the plumage and enrichment of the 
environment. Bedding must be maintained in a dry and friable state. The bedding must be a layer 
of absorbent material not attractive for the birds to eat, such as sand, sawdust or cut straw. For 
young chicks kept without their parents and before the age of three weeks, bedding shall not be 
used. After 3 weeks of age, bedding can be introduced gradually. 
Indoor areas and small paddocks shall be cleaned regularly and droppings and feed waste 
removed daily. 
2. If outside areas are icy, they shall be sanded to allow the animals to be given access to them. 
-9-, 
^ Article 17 
1. Adult ostriches shall have access to natural grazing. During the season of the year where 
grass is not available, they shall be provided with forage. 
2. All birds must have appropriate access to adequate, nutritious, balanced and hygienic feed 
each day and to adequate supplies of water of suitable quality at all times. 
Ratites must have access to roughage from an early age. Guidelines for size of feed 
structures are given in Appendix 6. 
Chicks younger than three months should have continuous access to feed. Green food shall 
be offered at an early age. 
When compound feed is given, care should be taken to ensure that it is safe and of the 
appropriate composition for ratites. In particular, care is needed in the diet formulation for young 
birds to avoid growth rates which may lead to joint or skeletal abnormalities. Mineral and other 
supplements should be provided as appropriate. 
3. As sudden changes in the type of diet may cause digestive problems such as impaction and 
even death, such changes should be introduced gradually. 
4. Methods of feeding and feed additives which cause injury or distress to the birds shall not 
be permitted. 
5. Ratites must be allowed access at all times to suitable grit or stones to aid digestion. 
However, for the first weeks, chicks shall only be provided with grit in limited quantities. 
Article 18 
Care should be taken to maintain a stable social structure within a group. New birds brought 
to the farm should be left in their new surroundings for a few days with the minimum of 
disturbance. They shall be checked to ensure that they are healthy and free from infection or 
contagious diseases and infestations before being introduced to new groups. 
Article 19 
If ratites are ill or injured to such an extent that transport would cause considerable 
additional suffering, they must be treated or killed on the spot. Where ratites have to be killed, this 
must be done without delay and in accordance with Article 23. 
Article 20 
Each Contracting Party shall set figures for fences, dimensions of shelters, paddocks and 
enclosures area and group size based on the guidelines presented in the Appendices. 
CHANGES IN PHENOTYPE OR GENOTYPE 
Article 21 
1. For the purpose of this Recommendation, "mutilation" means a procedure carried out for 
other than therapeutic purposes and resulting in damage to or the loss of a sensitive part of the body 
or the alteration of bone structure, or causing a significant amount of pain or distress. 
10 
2. Mutilation and other surgical procedures must not be performed except in circumstances of 
veterinary need and then only by a veterinarian or under his supervision when permitted by national 
legislation. 
3. Feathers must not be plucked from a living bird. 
4. Feathers must only be clipped above the blood line. 
5. Insertion of electronic devices for identification purposes is allowed. 
Article 22 
1. Breeding or breeding programmes which cause or are likely to cause suffering or harm to 
any of the birds involved shall not be practised. In particular, birds whose genotype has been 
modified for production purposes shall not be kept under commercial farm conditions unless it has 
been demonstrated by scientific studies of animal welfare that the birds can be kept under such 
conditions without detriment to their health or welfare. 
2. In breeding programmes, particular attention shall be paid to criteria conducive to the 
improvement of birds' welfare and health, as well as to production criteria. Therefore, the 
conservation or development of breeds or strains of animals which would limit or reduce animal 
welfare problems shall be encouraged. 
KILLING 
Article 23 
1. Killing must be done without causing undue pain, agitation or other forms of distress and 
by a person experienced in the techniques of killing unless in emergency when such a person is not 
immediately available. 
2. The methods used shall either: 
a. cause immediate loss of consciousness and death, or 
b. rapidly render the animal insensible to pain and distress, until death supervenes, or 
c. cause the death of an animal which is anaesthetized or effectively stunned. 
Drowning and suffocation shall not be permitted. 
3. The person responsible for the killing shall ensure that for each bird the requirements of 
paragraph 2 are fulfilled and that the animal is dead. 
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION 
Article 24 
This Recommendation shall be reviewed within 5 years after coming into force. 
-11 -
APPENDIX 1 
Topics to be included in the training of ratites farmers 
General biology and behaviour 
Capture and handling 
General management procedures 
Health controls 
Signs of disease 
Signs of stress and distress 
In addition stock keepers should know details of other items, many of which are set out in these 
recommendations as generalities 
Biological characteristics - Zoology 
Nutritional and feeding requirements inc. stones (gravel) and grit (calcium source for laying 
birds) 
Exercise requirements 
Reproductive behaviour including egg handling, storage, incubation, hatching and rearing of 
young chicks (to 12 weeks) 
Space allowances for pens and enclosures 
Housing, environmental needs including shelter, and "hiding" places to avoid bullying or 
unwanted sexual overtures 
Fencing design and construction 
Catching and handling of birds of all ages 
Loading and unloading into vehicles 
Handling, nursing and treatment of sick birds including giving medicines by mouth or 
injection 
Hygiene and disinfection methods 
Dust and water bathing needs and means of provision 
Selection of breeding stock 
Record keeping 
Methods of emergency killing 
Animal health and welfare legislation including transport and slaughter 
- 12 
APPENDIX 2 
Technical details for the catching and handling of ratites 
The preferred method of lifting young chicks (from 0 to about 10 weeks) is with one hand 
under the body, gathering the legs with the other hand to stop kicking. When older and larger, the 
bird can be restrained by standing astride it, holding its body with handler's legs placed behind the 
wings, and with hands around the chest or base of neck area. Ratites must not be restrained by the 
legs, the feathers or a single wing as this can cause dislocation. It is recommended that at least three 
people are in attendance to restrain an adult animal. 
In general, guidance and approach should be from behind. However, when a shepherd's 
crook is used in selecting a mature bird from a group, this should be done from the front. The crook 
should be used to hook the bird around the neck just below the head, and to pull its head down to 
below back level. The bird can then be restrained by placing the thumb of one hand in the side of 
beak while holding the back of the bird's head low with the other hand. This will prevent the bird 
kicking forward. 
When catching and holding birds by the neck, great care must be taken to avoid damaging 
the neck, and, in particular, the bird should be prevented from moving backwards. The wings and 
tail can be used to guide the bird but care must be taken never to use a single wing. Birds must 
never be restrained by their legs. After catching, hooding is recommended, taking care not to 
obstruct the nostrils. Hoods shall not be left on for longer than is absolutely necessary. 
Care should be taken when releasing birds to protect them from aggressive behaviour and 
injury from conspecifics. 
- 13-
APPENDIX 3 
OSTRICHES 
General provisions: 
The height to the ceiling in buildings or shelters should for adult animals be not less than 3 meters. 
The width of the door to the building or opening to the shelter shall be sufficient for all birds to enter or exit 
at the same time. The aperture shall be no less than 1.5 m. 
A shelter should be closed on 3 sides and include a closing system on the fourth side, allowing the male to 
be isolated. 
The fences should have a minimum height of 1,60 m for young ostriches (4-5 months) and 2 m for adults, 
with mesh fences on a minimum height of 1,50 m, with a post at least every 4 m. 
For all ostriches older than 5 days grit should be available. The provision of grit, especially in young animals 
should be done with care to prevent grit impaction. Sizes should be carefully considered and should be half 
to full size of the animal's toe-nail. 
Guidelines for maximum figures for group size and minimum figures for space 
d= days; w= weeks; m= months; m2= square meters; 
Age Maximum 
birds/Group Buildings/Shelters 
Min. m2 
area/ 
bird Min. m2 
total 
area/ 
pen Paddocks 
Minimum m2 
area/ 
bird(s) Minimum m2 
total area/ 
paddock 
<4d 40 0,25 1 
4d-3 w 40 0,25 - 1,2 10 100 
3 w - 6 m 40 2- 10 15 10-40 100-1000 3)4)7) 
6- 12 m 10 30 800/3 1000 3)4) 
1 y-breeding 
age 10 30 1000/3 1000 3)5) 
adult birds 10 30 2000/3 1000 3)5) 
') This group size presupposes no differences in sizes between the animals 
2) If more than one breeding group is penned in a single area, sufficient extra space, cover and the possibility 
to separate groups in the case of severe fighting are especially important. 
3) The shortest side should not be less than 10 m. 
4) One side should be at least 50 m. 
5) One side should be at least 100 m. 
6) For each additional female 200 m2 shall be added, for each additional male 800 m2. 
7) This should be interpreted according to the age of the bird. 
- 14-
APPENDIX 4 
EMUS 
General provisions: 
The height to the ceiling in buildings or shelters should for adult animals be not less than 2,5 meters. 
The width of the door to the building or opening to the shelter shall be sufficient for all birds to enter or exit 
at the same time. The aperture shall be no less than 1.5 m. 
A shelter should be closed on 3 sides and include a closing system on the fourth side, allowing the male to 
be isolated. 
The fences should have a minimum height of 1,60 m for young emus (4-5 months) and 180 cm for adults. 
For all emus older than 5 days grit should be available. The provision of grit, especially in young animals 
should be done with care to prevent grit impaction. Sizes should be carefully considered and should be half 
to full size of the animal's toe-nail. 
Guidelines for maximum figures for group size and minimum figures for space 
d= days; w= weeks; m= months; m2= square meters; 
Age 
I 
<4d 
4d-3 w 
3 w - 6 m 
6- 12 m 
1 y-breeding 
age 
adult birds Maximum 
birds/Group 
40 
40 
40 1} 
.«"V* '"*,*» 
1 + 12) Buildings/Shelters 
Min. m2 
area/ 
bird 
0,25 
0,25 - 0,5 
1 
2 
3-4 
5 Min. m2 
total area/ 
pen 
1 
5 
10 
20 
20 
30 Paddocks 
Minimum m2 
area/ 
bird 
; \f^ <!" ~ *K\f-§Yf/**'\^ 
5 
20 
150 
200 
250 Minimum m2 
total area/ 
paddock 
%vfev i • 
75 
100-500 3)5)7) 
5004)5) 
500 4) 6> 
5004)6) 
') This group size presupposes no differences in sizes between the animals 
2) If more than one breeding group is penned in a single area, sufficient extra space, cover and the possibility 
to separate groups in the case of severe fighting are especially important. 
3) The shortest side should not be less than 6 m. 
4) The shortest side should not be less than 7 m. 
5) One side should be at least 50 m. 
6) One side should be at least 70 m. 
7) This should be interpreted according to the age of the bird. 
- 15-
APPENDIX 5 
RHEAS 
General provisions: 
The height to the ceiling in buildings or shelters should for adult animals be not less than 2,5 meters. 
The width of the door fo the building or opening to the shelter shall be sufficient for all birds to enter or exit 
at the same time. The aperture shall be no less than 1.5 m. 
A shelter should be closed on 3 sides and include a closing system on the fourth side, allowing the male to 
be isolated. 
The fences should have a minimum height of 1,50 m for young rheas (4-5 months) and 170 cm for adults. 
For all rheas older than 5 days grit should be available. The provision of grit, especially in young animals 
should be done with care to prevent grit impaction. Sizes must be carefully considered and should be half 
to full size of the animal's toe-nail. 
Guidelines for maximum figures for group size and minimum figures for space. 
d= days; w= weeks; m= months; m2= square meters; 
Age 
<4d 
4d-3 w 
3 w - 6 m 
6- 12 m 
1 y-breeding 
age 
adult birds Maximum 
birds/Group 
40 
40 
40» 
ftj," SLJ> » "iê?^ 
llMpï 
1 + 12) Buildings/Shelters 
Min. m2 
area/ 
bird 
0,25 
0,25-0,5 
1 
2 
3 -4 
5 Min. m2 
total area/ 
pen 
1 
5 
10 
20 
20 
30 Paddocks 
Minimum m2 
area/ 
bird 
•f* vH^i* -*^#>x^1 
5 
20 
150 
200 
250 Minimum m2 
total area/ 
paddock 
75 
100-500 3)5)7) 
5004)5) 
500 4) 6) 
5004)6) 
1) This group size presupposes no differences in sizes between the animals 
2) If more than one breeding group is penned in a single area, sufficient extra space, cover and the possibility 
to separate groups in the case of severe fighting are especially important. 
3) The shortest side should not be less than 6 m. 
4) The shortest side should not be less than 7 m. 
5) One side should be at least 50 m. 
6) One side should be at least 70 m. 
7) This should be interpreted according to the age of the bird. 
- 16-
APPENDIX 6 
Guidelines for bedding and fodder chop 
Height of ratite Size of bedding or fodder chop 
< 30 cm 5-10 mm • 
30 - 45 cm 10 - 15 mm 
45 - 60 cm 15 - 20 mm 
60 - 75 cm 20-25 
75 cm - 1 m 25-30 mm 
1 - 1,5 m 30 - 35 mm 
> 1,5 m 35 - 50 mm 
Bedding should preferably not be used for chicks under 3 weeks of age. If it is used it must be in 
small quantities. 
ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(97) 121 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 03 15 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-97-lll-EN-C 
ISBN 92-78-17211-1 
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 
L-2985 Luxembourg