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
Date: 1997-03-21
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: European convention, animal welfare, bird, livestock farming, protection of animals

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 

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Conseil de l'Europe 

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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 

This  Recommendation  applies  to  all ratites  of  the  species  ostrich, emu  and common  rhea 

1. 
bred or kept for  the production of food,  skin, feathers  or other farming  purposes. 

Special provisions contained  in Appendices to this Recommendation  constitute  an integral 

2. 
part thereof. 

Article 2 

1. 

No ratite taken from the wild shall be kept for  farming purposes. 

Nothing in this Recommendation shall affect the implementation of other instruments for the 

2. 
protection of animals or for  the conservation  of wild species. 

3. 

No ratites of  any  species shall be kept for  farming  purposes  if: 

V 

a. 

b. 

the conditions of this Recommendation  cannot be met, or if 

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. 

Imprinting on, and habituation to, humans is possible and, in general, ratites are inquisitive 
4. 
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. 

'  Ostriches and emus lack a preen gland and so do not have the ability to oil their  feathers 

6. 
to provide a waterproof  plumage. 

Ratites  are diurnal.  Activity  is  mostly  divided  among feeding,  walking, running,  standing 

7. 
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. 

The possibility  of official  authorisation ^should be considered prior to setting up a farm  for 

3. 
ratites. 

- 5-

Article 5 

It is essential for the stockman to have close contact with ratites, particularly when the birds 
1. 
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 

Manual  restraint  is  potentially  dangerous  to both handler  and birds  as  ratites  tend  to react 
1. 
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-

During  the breeding  season,  the  birds  shall  be  disturbed  as  little  as  possible  and  they  shall 

3. 
where  possible  be  attended  only  by  the  stockman  known  to  them. 

Mature birds  shall be treated with caution  at all times in order to avoid  stress to the  animals 

4. 
and  panic  reactions  which  could  become  dangerous  for  both  animals  and  stockmen. 

ENCLOSURES,  BUILDINGS  AND  EQUIPMENT 

Article  9 

Farms  shall  be  situated  only  in  areas  where  climatic  and  other  conditions  allow  birds  to  be 
1. 
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 

Suitable, properly constructed handling facilities must be provided and specialised equipment 

1. 
must  be  used,  in  particular  as  fast  flight  is the  natural  ratite  reaction  in  all  fearful  situations. 

Suitably  designed  and  constructed  loading  facilities  and  vehicles  must  be  available.  In 

2. 
particular,  vehicle  ramps  shall  allow  birds  to be  loaded  and  unloaded  without  force. 

Article  11 

There  must  be  a fence  or other  adequate barrier  to prevent  the escape  of  the birds  from  the 

1. 
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. 

Warning  notices  about  the  danger  to  birds  of  disturbance  or  of  objects  thrown  into  the 
3. 
enclosure  and  the  danger  to  people  who  might  enter  the  enclosure  shall  be  placed  in  prominent 
places  outside  the  enclosures. 

Article  12 

When young or segregated birds have to be housed for  longer periods, additional  space  shall 

1. 
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 -

Housing  shall  be  dry,  well  ventilated  and  draught  free.  Heating  devices  must  be  available 

3. 
when  necessary  to  safeguard  the  animal's  health  and  welfare. 

Pens  must  have  natural  light  and be equipped  with  additional  artificial  lighting  where  birds 
4. 
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. 

Floors  of  enclosures  must  be  easy  to  clean  and  non-slippery,  and  preferably  be  solid.  For 

5. 
young  chicks  insulated  or  heated  flooring  may  be  necessary. 

All electrical  installations  at mains voltage shall be inaccessible to the ratites, well-insulated, 

6. 
safeguarded  from  rodents. 

Pens  shall  be  designed  so that  contact  between  breeding  groups  during  the breeding  period 

7. 
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. 

The paddock  shall have a long  side so the birds are able to run and no side shall be too short 
2. 
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. 

A freely  accessible  shelter or pen must be provided to protect the birds from  adverse  weather 

3. 
conditions  in  particular  rain,  snow  and  sunlight. 

Emus  shall be provided  with  water  for  bathing, other than  young  chicks, which  may  drown 

4. 
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. 

3. 

Ratites  shall  not  be  permanently  housed. 

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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. 

In order to provide  young birds  with  as natural  an environment  as possible  and early  access 

7. 
to  outside  areas, hatching  during  the  winter  should  be  avoided. 

Ratites  must  not  be  kept  individually  except  for  very  aggressive  birds  or,  when  necessary, 

8. 
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. 

The  group  size  shall be decided  depending on the age and sex of the  animals  and  taking  the 

2. 
available  area  into  consideration. 

If  more  than  one  breeding  group  is  kept  in  a  single  area,  sufficient  extra  space,  cover  and 

3. 
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 

Adult  ostriches  shall  have  access  to  natural  grazing.  During  the  season  of  the  year  where 

1. 
grass  is  not  available,  they  shall  be  provided  with  forage. 

All  birds  must  have  appropriate  access  to  adequate, nutritious, balanced  and  hygienic  feed 

2. 
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. 

As  sudden  changes  in the type of diet may cause digestive problems  such  as impaction  and 

3. 
even  death,  such  changes  should  be  introduced  gradually. 

Methods  of  feeding  and  feed  additives  which  cause  injury  or  distress  to  the  birds  shall  not 

4. 
be  permitted. 

Ratites  must  be  allowed  access  at  all  times  to  suitable  grit  or  stones  to  aid  digestion. 

5. 
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. 

4. 

5. 

Feathers must not be plucked from  a living bird. 

Feathers must only be clipped above the blood line. 

Insertion of electronic devices for  identification  purposes is allowed. 

Article 22 

Breeding or breeding programmes which cause or are likely to cause suffering  or harm to 
1. 
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. 

In  breeding  programmes,  particular  attention  shall  be  paid  to  criteria  conducive  to  the 
2. 
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 

Killing must be done without  causing undue pain, agitation or other forms  of  distress and 
1. 
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. 

b. 

c. 

cause immediate loss of consciousness  and death, or 

rapidly render the animal insensible to pain and distress, until death supervenes, or 

cause the death of an animal which is anaesthetized or effectively  stunned. 

Drowning and suffocation  shall not be permitted. 

The  person  responsible  for  the  killing  shall  ensure  that  for  each  bird  the  requirements  of 

3. 
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. 

-  1 3-

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 

40 

40 

40 

< 4d 

4 d -3  w 

3  w  - 6  m 

6-  12 m 

1  y-breeding 
age 

adult  birds 

Buildings/Shelters 

Paddocks 

Min.  m2 
area/ 
bird 

0,25 

0,25  -  1,2 

2-  10 

10 

10 

10 

Min.  m2 
total 
area/ 
pen 

1 

15 

30 

30 

30 

Minimum  m2 
area/ 
bird(s) 

Minimum  m2 
total  area/ 
paddock 

10 

1 0 - 40 

800/3 

1000/3 

100 

100-1000  3)4)7) 

1000  3)4) 

1000  3)5) 

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 

Maximum 
birds/Group 

< 4d 

4 d -3  w 

3  w  - 6  m 

6-  12 m 

1  y-breeding 
age 

adult  birds 

40 

40 

40  1} 

. « " V* 

' " * , *» 

1  +  12) 

Buildings/Shelters 

Paddocks 

Min. m2 
area/ 
bird 

0,25 

0,25  - 0,5 

1 

2 

3 -4 

5 

Min. m2 
total  area/ 
pen 

M i n i m um m2 
area/ 
bird 

Minimum  m2 
total  area/ 
paddock 

1 

5 

10 

20 

20 

30 

;  \f^  <!" ~ *K\f-§Yf/**'\^ 

5 

20 

150 

200 

250 

%vfev  i  • 
75 

100-500  3)5)7) 

5004 ) 5) 

500  4) 6> 

5 0 04 ) 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 

Maximum 
birds/Group 

< 4d 

4 d -3  w 

3  w  -  6  m 

6-  12 m 

1  y-breeding 
age 

adult  birds 

40 

40 

4 0» 

ftj," 

SLJ>  » 

" i ê ?^ 

llMpï 

1  + 12) 

Buildings/Shelters 

Paddocks 

Min. m2 
area/ 
bird 

0,25 

0,25-0,5 

1 

2 

3  -4 

5 

Min. m2 
total  area/ 
pen 

Minimum  m2 
area/ 
bird 

Minimum  m2 
total  area/ 
paddock 

1 

5 

10 

20 

20 

30 

•f* v H ^ i*  - * ^ # > x ^1 

5 

20 

150 

200 

250 

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 

30 - 45 cm 

45 - 60 cm 

60 - 75 cm 

75 cm -  1 m 

1 -  1,5 m 

>  1,5 m 

5 - 10  mm 

• 

10 -  15 mm 

15 - 20 mm 

20-25 

25-30  mm 

30 - 35 mm 

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