Causation and influence of environmental enrichment on feather picking of the crimson-bellied conure (Pyrrhura perlata perlata)
Abstract 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1997)16:23.3.CO;2-M This study examined the effect of environmental enrichment on feather picking in the crimson-bellied conure Pyrrhura perlata perlata. A total of 10 conures was observed, 8 of which showed minor to severe plumage problems. In a pre-enrichment period the conures were observed without changes in the environment to assess their social behavior and […]
Bathing behavior of captive Orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica)
Feather maintenance behaviors, particularly preening and bathing, are nearly universal in birds, though their expression and function vary across species. Based on the rain-bathing style of wild Amazon parrots, parrots were sprayed with water to simulate rainfall, and subsequent bathing behavioral parameters were recorded as well as behavioral states accounting for activity budgets 1 h pre- […]
Plumage maintenance affects ultraviolet colour and female preference in the budgerigar
Elaborate or colourful feathers are important traits in female–mate choice in birds but little attention has been given to the potential costs of maintaining these traits in good condition via preening behaviour. While preening is known to be an important component of plumagemaintenance, it has received little attention with respect to colouration. We investigated whether […]
Behavioural and physiological responses of laying hens to automated monitoring equipment
Automated monitoring of behaviour can offer a wealth of information in circumstances where observing behaviour is difficult or time consuming. However, this often requires attaching monitoring devices to the animal which can alter behaviour, potentially invalidating any data collected. Birds often show increased preening and energy expenditure when wearing devices and, especially in laying hens, […]