The ratite practitioner must balance the need to treat patients with the obligation to minimize the risk of drug residues. If a practitioner treats birds intended for market, the possibility of residues should be considered before administering therapeutic agents. Improved management practices can and will preclude the need in many instances for drug therapy. Practitioners should be aware of the conditions that must be met in order to justify extralabel use. When treating ratites intended for food, practitioners should comply with the documentation requirements listed in these regulations and be aware of the list of prohibited drugs. The Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD), at 1-888-US-FARAD (1-888-873-2723) or by electronic mail at farad@ucdavis.edu or farad@ncsu.edu, is a valuable source of information regarding residue avoidance. Emergence of ratites as food species should stimulate research to provide answers to questions concerning pharmacokinetics and tissue depletion in order to improve the quality of veterinary services for flock owners, to obtain approval for drugs for these species, and to provide information by which to establish appropriate withdrawal periods.