chemical communication in birds: recent findings
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36 Journal of Veterinary Behavior, Vol 5, No 1, January/February 2010
1.7% ‘Yes’, 0.3% were ‘Unsure’, 0.3% reported probably notand 1.1% reported definitely not. Gender, neuter status andcoat length were not identified as risk factors for accidentaldeath before one year of age, however kittens that were givenaccess to the outdoors were five times more likely to have anaccidental death than kittens that were kept indoors (7.8%outdoor versus 1.6% of indoor kittens; X2 5 5.69, df 5 1,p , 0.05). Therefore, advising guardians on the implicationsof allowing cats outdoors should be an important area ofeducation for to rescue shelters.
Key words: kitten; behavior; shelter; adoption
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATION IN BIRDS: RECENTFINDINGSP. Pageat*, M. Alnot-Perronin, L. Bougrat, F. Seurin,I. MadecPherosynthese Research Institute Semiochemistry andApplied Ethology, Le Rieu Neuf, Saint Saturnin Les Apt,84490 – France*Corresponding author: [email protected]
Birds are often considered to be creatures which concen-trate on the use of auditory and visual input. A dramaticcontradiction to this approach lies in the normal develop-ment of the olfactory cavities and bulbs as illustrated byBang and Cobb (1968), who studied over 100 differentavian species. Since the publication of this pioneeringresearch, several authors have described different odoroussecretions in birds and identified their functions duringsexual and maternal behavior, and in detecting and avoid-ing predators. To better understand the sensory world ofanimals for an accurate evaluation of possible behaviorproblems, we review this neglected field.As a result of anatomical and physiological research, birdsare no longer seen as anosmic animals. The complexity ofthe avian olfactory system and capabilities is welldescribed. Scents play a role in food location in kiwis,vultures and petrels (Balthazart & Taziaux, 2009), and inrecognition of familiar places like the nest with chicks(Porter et al., 1999) for petrels and relatives (Hagelin,2007). Moreover, chemical signals have been shown toplay a major role in predator detection (Roth et al.,2008), sex recognition (Bonadonna et al., 2009), specificpartner recognition (Bonadonna et al., 2007) and mother-hen to chick communication (Pageat, 2003). The uropygialgland (preening gland) is a major producer of odoroussecretions (Bohnet et al., 1991), but some other glandsare also involved. These secretions not only play a role asprimers but also as releasers of hormonal secretions(Madec, 2008). Maternal uropygial secretions are responsi-ble for attracting the chicks when facing a stressful event(Madec et al., 2008), modulating corticosterone releaseand heterophil to lymphocyte ratios, and protecting thegrowth of the chicks against the detrimental effects ofstress.
The recent development of our understanding of avianchemical communication provides potential new strategiesin the management of bird welfare for both pet andlivestock species. Using chemical communication can bea promising way to enrich the environment of captive wildbirds as well as to improve the quality of life in poultry.
Key words: bird; behavior; chemical communication;maternal uropygial secretions
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THE RELINQUISHMENT OF RABBITS TO RESCUE SHELTERSIN CANADAR.A. Ledger*Animal Behaviour & Welfare Consulting, P.O. Box 45529,Vancouver, British Columbia, V65 2N5, Canada*Corresponding author: [email protected]
Most surveys of animal relinquishment to shelters havefocused on dogs and cats; however, studies into the reasonswhy pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) enter shelters arescant. Such studies have the potential to facilitate the devel-opment of educational materials for prospective and currentrabbit guardians who may be at risk of surrendering theirpets. In response to this issue, this study describes a surveyof rabbits admitted to and adopted from rescue shelters inCanada. Thirty shelters (members of the Canadian Federa-tion of Humane Societies) were surveyed. Over a three-year