Abstract
Stereotypies are repetitive, unvarying and goalless behaviour patterns that are often considered indicative of poor welfare in captive animals. Quantifying stereotypies can be difficult, particularly during the early stages of their development when behaviour is still flexible. We compared two methods for objectively quantifying the development of route-tracing stereotypies in caged starlings. We used Markov chains and T-pattern analysis (implemented by the software package, Theme) to identify patterns in the sequence of locations a bird occupied within its cage. Pattern metrics produced by both methods correlated with the frequency of established measures of stereotypic behaviour and abnormal behaviour patterns counted from video recordings, suggesting that both methods could be useful for identifying stereotypic individuals and quantifying stereotypic behaviour. We discuss the relative benefits and disadvantages of the two approaches.
DOI
10.1016/j.beproc.2009.07.003
Publication Date
2009-11-01
Publication Title
Behavioural Processes
Volume
82
Issue
3
Publisher
Elsevier BV
ISSN
0376-6357
Embargo Period
2024-11-22
First Page
256
Last Page
264
Recommended Citation
Brilot, B., Asher, L., Feenders, G., & Bateson, M. (2009) 'Quantification of abnormal repetitive behaviour in captive European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)', Behavioural Processes, 82(3), pp. 256-264. Elsevier BV: Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2009.07.003
