Are Ostriches Kosher?
Ostriches are not currently considered kosher by most major kosher authorities. The main reason for this is that ostriches are not considered clean animals according to the Torah.
“You may eat any clean bird.” (Leviticus 11:20)
The Torah lists a number of specific birds that are not considered clean and thus may not be eaten. These include the eagle the vulture the buzzard the kite the falcon and the raven. Ostriches are not on this list but since they are not considered clean they are also not considered kosher.
In addition the Talmud (Chullin 60b) lists a number of birds that are considered unclean because of their habits or diet. These include the stork the heron the hoopoe and the bat. Ostriches are not on this list either but since they are not considered clean they are also not considered kosher.
There are some who argue that ostriches should be considered kosher because they are not specifically listed as an unclean bird in the Torah. However the vast majority of kosher authorities do not accept this argument and consider ostriches to be non-kosher.
Is an ostrich a kosher animal?
No ostriches are not kosher.
