Study finds bird masturbation is natural behavior, not caused by captivity stress
By
Ian Sample
Toasted to a respectable shade. No regrets, no crumbs left.
Summary
A study on masturbation among birds, particularly parrots, finds that the behavior is natural and more common in the wild than in captivity. Researchers urge vets to reassure bird owners that the activity is not harmful and should not be punished, contrary to common advice given to bird keepers. The study concludes that efforts to intervene or discourage the behavior are unnecessary.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledBird keepers are often advised to discourage and even punish birds for masturbating, but the study found the activity was more common in the wild than in captivity
The report's authors urged vets to reassure worried owners that the antics are not harmful
Researchers concluding it is part of a bird's natural behaviour
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