If you've ever caught your pet bird engaging in some unexpected behavior and wondered whether it was a cause for concern, new research suggests you can relax.
A recent study has found that masturbation is a common and natural behavior among many bird species, and experts say bird owners and veterinarians should stop treating it as a problem that needs to be corrected.
Researchers examined reports of self-stimulating behavior in 120 species of birds, including parrots, ducks, turkeys, and chickens. Surprisingly, the study found that these behaviors were actually reported more often in wild birds than in those living in captivity.
For years, many experts assumed that birds only engaged in masturbation because of stress, boredom, or poor living conditions. But according to Dr. Chloe Heys, an evolutionary ecologist at the University of Lancashire, the findings challenge that long-held belief.
"Our big finding is that masturbation is not a negative response to captivity," Heys explained. "This is widespread in birds, and we found it's a perfectly natural and healthy behavior that's part of their repertoire of sexual behaviors."
To conduct the research, scientists gathered information from bird experts, scientific literature, and online communities of bird owners, breeders, and enthusiasts. The result was one of the most comprehensive looks yet at the subject.
The behaviors themselves varied. Male birds were often observed rubbing against perches, toys, twigs, or even their owner's hand or shoulder. Females typically displayed different movements, such as raising their tails while pressing against objects. Some birds also flapped their wings or made unusual vocalizations during the activity.
The study has important implications for bird welfare. Many owners who witness the behavior seek veterinary advice out of fear that their pets may be harming themselves. In some cases, they have been encouraged to interrupt or discourage the behavior by removing toys and perches or limiting physical interaction.
Researchers say those interventions are often unnecessary and can sometimes be harmful.
"In really extreme cases, vets would give the birds drugs or hormonal therapies to stop them doing this," Heys said. "There have even been cases of surgery to completely de-sex birds."
Experts stress that unless the behavior is causing a serious medical issue — something they say is very rare — there is generally no reason to intervene.
Dr. Ana Basto, a veterinarian at the University of Lancashire who was not involved in the study, believes the findings will help improve the guidance vets provide to concerned pet owners.
"This research is pivotal," she said, "and will be a step toward achieving a more holistic understanding of why and how birds behave the way they do."
The study's co-author, evolutionary biologist Dr. Matilda Brindle of Oxford University, added that the research contributes to a growing body of evidence showing that non-reproductive sexual behaviors occur throughout the animal kingdom.
For bird owners, the takeaway is simple: while the behavior may seem unusual to humans, experts say it's often just another normal part of being a bird.
The findings were published in the journal Ecology and Evolution.
