Masturbation among birds is ‘natural’ and should not be punished, say experts
A new study suggests that masturbation in birds is a natural, healthy behavior rather than a sign of stress or captivity. Researchers are urging veterinarians to stop discouraging or punishing this behavior in pet birds.
Why it matters
This research challenges long-held misconceptions in veterinary care and promotes better animal welfare practices.
‘I had a pet cockatiel that masturbated all the time,’ said Dr Chloe Heys, one of the study’s authors. Photograph: taviphoto/Getty Images View image in fullscreen ‘I had a pet cockatiel that masturbated all the time,’ said Dr Chloe Heys, one of the study’s authors. Photograph: taviphoto/Getty Images Animal behaviour Masturbation among birds is ‘natural’ and should not be punished, say experts Study finds activity is not harmful or caused by stress of captivity – and is in fact more common in wild birds
Scientific reporting on animal behavior research.
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