A new study on masturbation among birds has concluded that the behavior is natural and not a sign of stress, providing relief for bird owners and veterinarians alike. The research, published in the journal Ecology and Evolution, found that self-pleasure is more common in wild birds than in captive ones, challenging previous assumptions that it was caused by captivity.
Natural Behavior in Birds
Dr. Chloe Heys, an evolutionary ecologist at the University of Lancashire and one of the study's authors, stated, 'Our big finding is that masturbation is not a negative response to captivity. 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.' Heys recalled having a pet cockatiel that 'masturbated all the time,' noting that the behavior is distinctive and easily recognized.
The study surveyed bird experts, online communities of bird keepers, breeders, and enthusiasts, along with published scientific accounts, covering 120 bird species. Avian masturbation was observed across species including parrots, ducks, turkeys, and chickens. Males typically rubbed vigorously on perches, toys, or their owners, while females lifted their tails and backed onto objects. The activity sometimes included wing flapping and unusual vocalizations.
Misguided Interventions
Bird keepers are often advised to discourage or punish masturbation, with interventions ranging from removing perches and toys to hormone treatments and surgery. The study warns that such measures can be more damaging than the behavior itself. '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, which is bonkers.'
The researchers urge vets to reassure owners that masturbation is harmless unless it leads to chronic issues like prolapse, which is rare. 'Vets shouldn’t be advising owners to stop birds doing this unless it’s obviously caused a chronic problem,' Heys added.
Implications for Bird Welfare
Dr. Ana Basto, a vet at the University of Lancashire not involved in the study, noted that the research will help vets provide better advice. Dr. Matilda Brindle, an evolutionary biologist at Oxford University and co-author, emphasized that the findings highlight the importance of understanding non-reproductive sexual behaviors across the animal kingdom. 'The fact that masturbation seems to be even more common in wild birds than those in captivity has huge implications for their welfare,' Brindle said.
