Thesis Title
Functional Analysis and Treatment of Self-Injurious Feather Plucking in a Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)
Date of Award
Spring 5-4-2017
Thesis Type
Open Access
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis and Clinical Science
Committee Member(s)
Sarah Slocum, PhD, BCBA-D (Committee Chair)
Stephanie Kincaid, PhD, BCBA-D
April Michele Williams, PhD, BCBA-D
Supervising Faculty Member
Dr. Sarah Slocum
Abstract
Feather plucking (FP) is a maladaptive behavior observed in captive avian species. This self-injurious behavior results in damage to and removal of feathers and skin tissue, resulting in animal welfare and financial consequences. The etiology and maintenance of FP have been hypothesized through medical and environmental processes, yet a definitive solution has not been found. The current study investigated the environmental variables maintaining the FP of a Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus), as well as evaluated a function-based treatment for this behavior. The behavior was found to be maintained by positive reinforcement in the form of contingent attention. Treatment consisted of noncontingent reinforcement. Results further demonstrate the validity of function-based assessment and treatment with captive animals.
Recommended Citation
Morris, Kristen L., "Functional Analysis and Treatment of Self-Injurious Feather Plucking in a Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)" (2017). Thesis Projects. 1.
https://scholarship.rollins.edu/mabacs_thesis/1
Rights Holder
Kristen L Morris
Included in
Animal Experimentation and Research Commons, Animal Studies Commons, Applied Behavior Analysis Commons, Biological Psychology Commons, Biology Commons, Comparative Psychology Commons, Other Animal Sciences Commons, Other Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons, Poultry or Avian Science Commons, Zoology Commons