ABSTRACT

This chapter begins by discussing what abnormal behaviors are and why they should be taken seriously by those in charge of care and husbandry. It then examines the commonalities and differences between forms of abnormal behaviors and between species. The chapter presents some strategies for prevention, management, and treatment of common abnormal behaviors of laboratory animals. The study of abnormal behavior among animals has traditionally centered on abnormal repetitive behaviors such as stereotypic behaviors, which are performed in consecutive repetitions (e.g., backflipping, body-rocking, or pacing) or on recurrent behaviors with longer, variable intervals of time between repetitions (e.g., excessive grooming or regurgitation and reingestion). Some abnormal behaviors can cause or aggravate health and welfare problems. Abnormal behaviors have been studied in animal models of human psychiatric disorders. Animals are more prone to engage in abnormal behaviors at certain times of day, and the specific time differs between species.