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Sexual Maturity and Aggressive Behavior in Parrots and Iguanas

Sexual Maturity and Aggressive Behavior in Parrots and Iguanas. Michael King and Laura Klar. When is my parrot sexually mature?. Can range from 2 ½ to 5 years of age depending on the breed. Why the aggression? . It comes down to normal behavior Acting on impulses .

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Sexual Maturity and Aggressive Behavior in Parrots and Iguanas

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  1. Sexual Maturity and Aggressive Behavior in Parrots and Iguanas Michael King and Laura Klar

  2. When is my parrot sexually mature? • Can range from 2 ½ to 5 years of age depending on the breed.

  3. Why the aggression? • It comes down to normal behavior • Acting on impulses

  4. When to expect this type of behavior • When removing the bird from it’s cage or any area it regards as it’s alone • When strangers or disliked family members approach while the bird is with it’s favorite person – displaced aggression • When someone regarded with less authority is handling the bird

  5. Removing the bird from the cage • Prepared owners will expect to be bitten • Always follow through and never back down • Be consistent • If necessary, use a towel or a stick to safely obtain the bird

  6. Displaced Aggression • Generally a result of exclusively bonding to one individual • Will try and bite owner when others enter the room • This relationship will intensify during sexual maturity

  7. A question of authority • Spouses usually fall victim to this • Try and let the bird and the disliked person work it out • Taking the bird out of the situation may only reinforce the behavior • If necessary, the favored person can act as disciplinarian

  8. Avoid increasing sexual behavior • May inadvertently increase sexual behavior with physical affection • Avoid petting under the wing, pulling on the tail, encompassing the body, touching near the vent or beak wrestling

  9. Set yourself up for success • Establish good behavior patterns early in life • Consistency is key • Don’t back down • Be willing to accept some distance during the breeding season • Don’t place yourself in compromising positions

  10. …a compromising position ?

  11. Pharmaceutical treatment • Lupron (luprolide acetate) – human GNRH analogue; expensive as hell – 3 injections once every 2 weeks; very effective. Used for chronic egg laying, ovavian cysts and feather picking • Haldol – antipsychotic; leads to a very sedate bird • Prozac – TCA; again, very sedate

  12. Surgical Treatment • Salpingohysterectomy – removal of the uterus and the oviduct • Commonly indicated to alleviate pathologic egg laying • Castration – this is still a very risky procedure with a low post surgical survival rate

  13. Reptile Behavior • Besides husbandry, one of the most important aspects of client education • Understanding enhances the human animal bond • Important when handling animals for treatments

  14. Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana) • Common, inexpensive • Can be challenging to own - not a great first reptile to recommend for a novice owner • Lifespan > 12 years • Large - up to 6.5 feet • Now living long enough to reach sexual maturity = seeing behavioral issues in males

  15. Iguana Communication • Posture • Movement & Gait • head bob • dewlap movement • lateral torso compression • Use of three-dimensional space • placement in enclosure • seeking height or flattening out

  16. Defensive Aggression • May exhibit if threatened • Stand sideways to the threat • Swallow air to increase their size • Stand high off the ground to look larger • Lash at the threat w/tail • May gape or bite if provoked

  17. Offensive Aggression • Less common • Usually involves sexually mature males during mating season (Dec. - March) • Now living long enough to reach sexual maturity • 1.5 - 6 yrs dep.on husbandry • sudden change in behavior or color • investigate medical cause but be suspicious if male

  18. Offensive Aggression • May attack anyone entering their territory & attempt to bite - cage confinement? • Wearing certain colors may provoke attacks • Female owners & menstruation/ovulation - pheromones?

  19. Offensive Aggression • Males may try to mate (display mating behaviors, including bites) with female owners • May see other human males as competition

  20. Offensive Aggression • Neutering does not completely resolve this problem • Research continues in this area - identify causes besides testosterone • Photoperiod? Variation from diurnal schedule? Too small enclosure? etc.

  21. What to do? • Towels, stuffed lizards, “toys” towards which to direct their sexual aggression • Always be aware & alert • Bites - wave alcohol-soaked gauze in front of nose. Cover head with towel - may relax & let go • Negative reinforcement

  22. Non-breeding Aggression • Does occur • May involve a male lizard being dominant over its human owners • Prevent by proper handling and interaction

  23. Iguana Body Language: Dewlap • Fully tucked up under chin, relaxed & floppy = non-aggressive • Rigidly extended +/- sideways presentation of body = threatening.

  24. Iguana Body Language: Head Bobbing • Several meanings? • Warning • Visual equivalent of scent-marking? • Territoriality? • Greeting?

  25. Iguana Body Language: Hissing • Low, guttural click • Mouth wide open, tongue arched • Body in full compression • Dewlap flared • Last straw warning! • Careful - “shhh” sound may be interpreted as an offensive hiss

  26. Iguana Body Language: Open Mouth • Fully open mouth, pink-red color (engorged), tongue up & out = anti-predator • Body tensed, mouth only slightly open = aggressive or dominance - NOT a smile. • Differentiate from dyspnea & over-heating

  27. Summary - Clients • Be aware of challenges of ownership - educated, informed decision to buy an iguana • Protect themselves • Enhance the human-animal bond by better understanding their pet

  28. Summary - Veterinarians • Education of clients • Protect yourself when handling and treating these patients • Owning reptiles yourself

  29. Alternatives for novice clients? • Bearded dragons! • Pogona spp., native to Australia • Smaller (males up to 2 feet) • Lifespan 5-12 +? years • Excellent temperament • Docile, easily handled • Aware, social, responsive

  30. Alternatives for novice clients? • Leopard Geckos • Smaller – can keep in 10 gallon tank • Beautiful – lots of color variation • Easier husbandry – no veggies, no UV • Great personalities

  31. References • Cogger, H.G. and R.G. Sweifel. 1998. Encyclopedia of Reptiles and Amphibians. Academic Press, CA. • Grenard, S. 1999. An Owner’s Guide to the Bearded Dragon. Howell Book House, NY. • Mader, D.R. 1996. Reptile Medicine and Surgery. W.B. Saunders Co. PN. • Zoffer, D. and T. Mazorlig. 1997. The Guide to Owning a Bearded Dragon. T.F.H. Publications, Inc. NJ. • http://www.anapsid.org/ • www.reptilecare.com

  32. Thank You! Questions?

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