Masturbation among birds natural and healthy behaviour, say experts

I had a pet cockatiel that masturbated all the time. 

Dr Chloe Hey

one of the study’s authors

Masturbation among birds is natural and should not be discouraged, according to a new study that challenges long-held assumptions about avian behaviour, The Guardian reported. 

Researchers found the behaviour is widespread among birds and occurs more frequently in the wild than in captivity, undermining the belief it is a stress response linked to confinement.

The study, published in Ecology and Evolution, analysed reports from bird experts, hobbyists, breeders and scientific literature, covering 120 captive and wild bird species. Cases were recorded among parrots, ducks, turkeys and chickens, with both males and females engaging in the behaviour.

Lead author Dr Chloe Heys, an evolutionary ecologist at the University of Lancashire, said masturbation forms part of birds’ normal sexual behaviour. “This is widespread in birds and we found it’s a perfectly natural and healthy behaviour,” she said.

The findings could influence veterinary advice. Some bird owners seek help after observing the behaviour, fearing injury. Researchers found that interventions recommended in some cases included removing perches and toys, restricting physical contact, hormone treatments and even surgery. Heys warned such measures could be more harmful than the behaviour itself. “Vets shouldn’t be advising owners to stop birds doing this unless it has caused a chronic problem such as a prolapse, which is extremely rare,” she said.