Effects of spatial and social restrictions on the presence of stereotypies in the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus): a pilot study

Parrots housed in inadequate environments can show behavioural patterns that they do not show in their biologically natural context, such as repetitive and nonfunctional activities, potentially indicators of poor welfare. In intensive breeding facilities, birds such as budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) are often pair-housed in cages of limited size for the reproductive period. In this study, the effects of spatial and social restrictions on the behaviour of 18 budgerigars housed in different conditions (pair-housed condition vs social-housed condition) were investigated. Our aim was to compare the presence of species-specific stereotyped behaviours (Oral, Locomotor and Object-Directed) and the time-budget of normal activities between the two experimental conditions. Data were recorded by using video-cameras and, subsequently, a focal sampling technique to score the behavioural repertoire of experimental subjects was adopted. Frequency and duration of stereotyped patterns were significantly higher in pair-than in social-housed condition individuals. A sex-related profile was also found, with "pacing" and "spot pecking" shown more often by males, whereas "wire chewing" and "incessant screaming" were performed at higher levels by females. Moreover, with regard to the time-budget of normal activities, pair-housed conditions showed significantly higher frequencies of locomotion and allo-grooming than social-housed conditions. These findings suggest that limited social and spatial opportunities influence the presence of stereotyped behaviours, as well as the normal activity of Melopsittacus undulatus, and cause a potential decrease of their life quality. Refinement of housing seems to have a direct role in improving the well-being of this species in intensive breeding facilities. Therefore, the dissemination of guidelines and recommendations on accommodation of this species is recommended to make it easier for traders and breeders to provide appropriate housing conditions for birds.