Development of Abnormal Behaviours

Understanding Abnormal Behaviours

Abnormal behaviours represent patterns of activity that deviate significantly from the species-typical norm. These behaviours are often maladaptive.
Stereotypies are a type of abnormal behaviour involving repetitive, unvarying and functionless behaviour patterns. Stereotypies are often seen in captive or domesticated animals.
Causes of abnormal behaviours can vary and might include genetic predisposition, physiological imbalances, inappropriate rearing conditions, or insufficient environmental stimulation.

Types of Abnormal Behaviours

Self-directed behaviours: Abnormal behaviours directed towards the animal itself, such as feather plucking in birds, fur pulling in rodents, or self-mutilation in dogs.
Locomotor stereotypies: Characterised by repetitive and unvarying movements. Examples include pacing, circling, or weaving.
Oral stereotypies: Involving repetitive actions with the mouth. Examples include crib-biting in horses, bar-chewing in captive rodents or repetitive licking in dogs.

Consequences of Abnormal Behaviours

Physical harm: Abnormal behaviours can result in physical damage to the animal’s body. For example, feather plucking can lead to skin infections and fur pulling can create open wounds.
Reduced biological fitness: These behaviours can impact reproductive success and longevity of the animal. For example, persistent pacing might reflect chronic stress, impacting an animal’s overall health.
Impaired welfare: Animals exhibiting abnormal behaviours might struggle with respect to quality of life and overall well-being.

Managing and Preventing Abnormal Behaviours

Environmental enrichment: Providing physical and mental stimulation can help reduce abnormal behaviours. For instance, introducing toys, visual stimuli, puzzles or social companions can help distract, engage, and stimulate animals.
Behaviour modification techniques: These can be used to promote desirable behaviours and reduce abnormal ones. For example, reinforcing alternative, healthier behaviours or gradually desensitising the animal to stressors.
Pharmacological interventions: In some cases, medication might be required to manage abnormal behaviours, particularly if there are underlying physiological issues.
Consultation with animal behaviour specialists: Specialists can assist with understanding the root cause of abnormal behaviours and devising a tailored approach to managing them.

Limitations in Understanding Abnormal Behaviours

Inter-species variation: What is considered normal can vary hugely between different species. Therefore, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of species-typical behaviours.
Subjectivity of abnormality: Determining what is abnormal can be subjective and might vary based on human perspectives and cultural beliefs.
Lack of consensus: There is no universally accepted definition of what constitutes abnormal behaviour, which can complicate study and discussion in this area.