Bird Masturbation Is Natural, Not a Stress Response: Study Redefines Avian Welfare Guidelines

Researchers led by Chloe Heys (Lancashire), Kevin Arbuckle (Swansea), Matilda Brindle (Oxford) and Tom Price (Liverpool) published a paper in *Ecology and Evolution* covering 120 species in 22 avian groups, both captive and wild.

Study reveals that without a reliable mate birds do what comes naturally

Masturbation in pet birds—parrots such as the sulphur-crested cockatoo (*Cacatua galerita*), ducks, turkeys and chickens—has long been labeled a stress-induced problem behavior, prompting owners and veterinarians to discourage it with perch removal, hormonal drugs, or even surgical castration.

Lancashire study identifies companion bird masturbation as common natural behavior in the wild

The study was coordinated by senior lecturer Chloe Heys (Lancashire) with co-authors Kevin Arbuckle (Swansea), Matilda Brindle (Oxford) and Tom Price (Liverpool).

Study reveals that without a reliable mate birds do what comes naturally

Masturbation appeared in 55 % of male and 36 % of female records; juveniles (100 %) and adults (97 %) were similar. Wild birds showed higher rates than captive birds, and parent-reared captive birds more than hand-reared ones. Species with promiscuous mating systems had higher incidence than socially monogamous or long-term pair-bonded species.

Masturbation in birds is “healthy, natural and widespread”, say scientists

Seeing masturbation as a normal, evolutionarily conserved act challenges punitive veterinary practices and promotes welfare-friendly husbandry. Better guidance can cut unnecessary drugs, hormones or surgery and may boost breeding success for endangered species by matching care to natural behavior.

Masturbation in pet birds is natural and should not be punished

The authors say the behavior is natural and veterinary advice should move away from punishment, limiting interventions to rare issues like prolapse, and urging education for owners and professionals.

The Guardian

Traditional guides and some vets have advised perch removal, tactile restriction, drugs or surgical castration to curb self-stimulation, practices now challenged by the study.

The Guardian

Reliance on owner reports may bias data, and longitudinal health studies of masturbating versus non-masturbating birds are lacking.

Lancashire study identifies companion bird masturbation as common natural behavior in the wild

• “Despite assumptions that masturbation among captive birds like parrots is a result of their often-solitary living, our study finds that it is natural, healthy, and widespread across diverse bird species, even in different environments,” — Chloe Heys, Senior Lecturer, University of Lancashire

IFL Science

• “This research is pivotal and will be a step towards achieving a more holistic understanding of why and how birds behave the way they do.” — Ana Basto, Veterinary Lecturer, University of Lancashire

The Guardian

• “ The researchers say their results show that masturbation may be a non-adaptive byproduct of high sex drive in species with access to lots of mates, or there may be adaptive reasons such as increasing sexual arousal in females to enable quicker copulation during sneak matings with males other than their social partner.” — Kevin Arbuckle, Department of Biosciences, Swansea University

Study reveals that without a reliable mate birds do what comes naturally

• “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,” — Chloe Heys, University of Lancashire (The Guardian)

Masturbation among birds natural and healthy behaviour, say experts

The team urges veterinary bodies to revise guidelines, and proposes further comparative studies to test the evolutionary hypotheses across additional taxa, aiming to refine welfare protocols and support conservation breeding.

Masturbation in pet birds is natural and should not be punished