Study finds bird masturbation is natural behavior, urges vets not to punish it
A study published in the journal Ecology and Evolution has concluded that masturbation among birds is a natural and healthy behavior, contradicting common advice for bird keepers to discourage or punish it. Researchers surveyed bird experts and online communities, collecting data on 120 bird species both in captivity and the wild. The study found the behavior is actually more common in the wild than in captivity, indicating it is not a negative response to confinement. The authors urged veterinarians to reassure owners that the activity is not harmful and warned that interventions like removing perches, hormone therapy, or surgery could be more damaging. Dr Chloe Heys of the University of Lancashire, an evolutionary ecologist and lead author, stated that masturbation is widespread in birds and part of their normal sexual behavior. Dr Matilda Brindle, an evolutionary biologist at Oxford University and co-author, said the findings have implications for bird welfare, especially given past advice to discourage the behavior.
What’s reported
The study was published in the journal Ecology and Evolution.
Researchers surveyed bird experts and online communities of bird keepers, breeders, and enthusiasts, combining accounts with published scientific literature.
Data was collected on 120 bird species, both captive and wild.
Masturbation was found to be more common in the wild than in captivity.
Species exhibiting the behavior include parrots, ducks, turkeys, and chickens.
The study’s authors concluded the behavior is a natural and healthy part of a bird’s sexual behavior repertoire.
Dr Chloe Heys said the finding shows masturbation is not a negative response to captivity.
Some vets have advised removing perches and toys or using drugs, hormone therapies, and even surgery to stop the behavior; the study warns these interventions could be more damaging.
Misconceptions
The source article addresses the misconception that bird masturbation is a negative response to captivity or harmful to the bird. The study found it is natural and healthy, and efforts to stop it can be more damaging.
Key figures
Dr Chloe Heys – evolutionary ecologist at the University of Lancashire, lead author
Dr Ana Basto – vet at the University of Lancashire (not involved in the study)
Dr Matilda Brindle – evolutionary biologist at Oxford University, co-author
Sources: The Guardian
