Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Reducing excessive mating posturing in a female hyacinth macaw
By Clayton, Leigh Ann et al.·Published in Journal of avian medicine and surgery·2012·National Aquarium, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Management of specific and excessive posturing behavior in a hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) by using applied behavior analysis.
- Species:
- bird
Plain-English summary
A female hyacinth macaw was displaying excessive mating-type posturing that became disruptive. To help her, veterinarians used applied behavior analysis to understand the reasons behind her behavior and created a tailored plan to encourage her to stand upright instead. They discovered that she was seeking attention from humans, which was reinforcing the unwanted behavior. After implementing a new strategy that rewarded her for standing upright instead of posturing, her behavior improved significantly within a month. She was much more stable and less disruptive after the treatment.
People also search for: macaw behavior problems · hyacinth macaw excessive posturing · bird behavior management techniques
Abstract
Applied behavior analysis was used in a female hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) to reduce specific, excessive mating-type posturing that had become disruptive due to increased frequency, duration, and intensity. A functional assessment and intervention design worksheet was used to evaluate behavior-environment relations and to develop an individualized behavior-change plan. The functional assessment indicated that human attention was maintaining the behavior. The intervention, differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior, was implemented to increase attention for standing upright and to remove attention for posturing. Within 1 month, posturing decreased to acceptable levels and was replaced with an upright posture. Problem behaviors that appear "reproductive" may be responsive to behavior management alone. Applied behavior analysis and a functional assessment and intervention design are ideal tools to address problem behavior in avian patients.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22872984/