Abnormal Behaviours

Question 1

Normal vs natural behaviour

Answer 1

Normal behavior generally refers to behavior that is considered typical or expected for a given species or group of individuals. (Usually in captivity)

Natural behavior, on the other hand, generally refers to behavior that is observed in the wild or in a more “natural” environment, and is thought to be influenced by biological or ecological factors.

Question 2

What is abnormal behaviour

Answer 2

Abnormal behavior is behavior that deviates from what is considered typical (behaviour seen in the wild)
They may indicate a problem with the animal or environment

• behaviour that is abnormal or pathological as a result of emotional disorder or mental health issues

Question 3

What is quantitative abnormal behaviour

Answer 3

When a performed behaviour is statistically higher than normal for the species
(Frequency, duration, intensity)

Question 4

What is qualitative abnormal behaviour

Answer 4

When a performed behaviour is not seen at all in other members of the same species
Only thing seen as abnormal if it’s harmful

Question 5

How to recognise abnormal behaviour

Answer 5

Repetition: pacing and weaving
- stereotypies: a class of repetitive abnormal behaviours with similar underlying motor dysfunction
Not all repetitive
- extreme aggression
- infanticide
- mis-mothering
- tail biting (pigs)
- barbering (rodents)
- pica (eating non food items)

Question 6

What are abnormal repetitive behaviours (ARBs)

Answer 6

Stéréotypies and impulsive/compulsive behaviours
Strereotypies: repetitive movements and or body posture that serve no goal or function

impulsive/compulsive behaviours: repetition of an inappropriate behaviour that is goal-directed but no appropriate for the goal intended

Question 7

What do stereotypies tell us about welfare

Answer 7

When animals are kept in environments that are inadequate for their needs or lack appropriate stimulation, they may develop stereotypic behaviors as a way of coping with their surroundings.

Abnormal behaviours can also cause bad welfare (bar biting)

Behaviours that have become habitual may no longer reflect poor welfare

Question 8

Common causes of ARBs

Answer 8

Barren environments
Stress and frustrated motivations
CNS dysfunction
Genetics
Age
Individual temperament

Question 9

Types of stereotypies

Answer 9

Oral: biting, licking
Locomotory: pacing
Repetitive motion of the whole body: rocking
Excessive grooming

Question 10

How can Repeated performance of a behaviour lead to inflexible, preservative abnormal behaviour

Answer 10

Persistant frustration ➡️
Repeated performance of behaviour ➡️
Neural pathways become increasingly rigid ➡️
Damage to CNS➡️
inflexible, preservative abnormal behaviour

Question 11

What are frustrated motivations

Answer 11

Frustrated motivations refer to a situation in which an individual is motivated to perform a certain behavior or achieve a certain goal, but is unable to do so due to some obstacle or barrier. This can result in feelings of frustration, stress, and disappointment.

Question 12

When does a frustrated motivation occur

Answer 12

When an animal is unable to achieve the intended goal (consummatory) or satisfy the motivation (appetitive)

Question 13

What are thwarted motivations

Answer 13

Thwarted motivation refers to a situation in which an individual’s motivation to achieve a certain goal or engage in a particular behavior is blocked or undermined by external factors, such as social or environmental constraints.

Question 14

What are oral stereotypies usually caused by

Answer 14

Inability to forage

Question 15

What is pacing typically caused by

Answer 15

Not enough space

Question 16

What animals is stereotypic behaviour more common in

Answer 16

Hand reared than mother raised
Early weaned
Captive bred
(Problems in early life Impair brain development and can be difficult to reverse)