I've heard that with animals if you're the very first thing they see when they're born or their eyes open that they'll most likely think you're their mother.
I've heard that's called human imprinting where the animal is raised from or after birth by a human.
Is this true?
2006-07-02 10:42:10 · 15 answers · asked by Checkers- the -Wolf 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Yes it is I found a baby squriel once it's mother fell off a phone wire during a wind storm it was about 1 week old it's eyes were closed I took it in the house and feed it milk and peanut butter mixture another week went by and he opened his eyes I had him for 6 years he would follow me all over the house jump for my pant leg and run up to my shoulder and lay there and rest. sometimes play with my hair or play fight with my fingers LOL
his name was Boomer he was a gray squirrel his favorite spot of all was on top of the heaters
2006-07-02 10:54:30 · answer #1 · answered by Paul G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I learned about imprinting through some of my research on horse training, and experience. I think that just because you are the first thing they see doesn't make them think you are their mother. I have been present for foaling and they see me before they see mom if I need to help the mare. They never thought I was their mom. If the mother dies during the birthing or sometime after they may feel that you are mom since you protect, feed and care for them. However foals that are imprinted right after birth are not as afraid of humans. If it is an animal that doesn't open its eyes at birth and you are raising it because there is no mother, it already knows you by your scent, feel and voice before it opens its eyes. I don't know about other species, maybe it is true for some.
2006-07-02 21:31:36 · answer #2 · answered by ponyplaying 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure if the first concept applies to all animals, but the human imprinting does.
Which is why you are not suppose to raise wildlife, because it will have this imprint and no longer be safe to live in the wild.
2006-07-02 10:46:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes This is somehwat true. Konrad Lorenz did a study with goslings and ducklings. His study showed that within a critical period after hatching the goslings or ducklings would be attached to the first thing it saw as it's mother. The effects of this were irreversible. Later studies proved that it was not only ducks or geese that could be attached to the first thing it saw, but almost any creature. It also proved that this occurence was neither permanent or irreversible.
2006-07-12 04:41:02 · answer #4 · answered by Justine P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it's true
Baby horses are imprinted the day they're born by a human handler who spends alot of time with them. Some people will restrain a foal (hold it still or down on the ground) to force it to accept the idea "humans could hurt you but we choose not to"
2006-07-14 06:10:02 · answer #5 · answered by Funchy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I rehab orphaned wildife for our wildlife sanctuary. Although I am not sure what is actually written about this type of thing, in my experience, certain types of animals do seem to think you are their "mother". House sparrows will become very attatched when rehabbed from a nestling. They remain very friendly and will follow you everywhere you go. Squirrels are another animal that seems to "imprint" and think you are its mother. I currently have 6 baby orphaned raccoons and they also appear to think I am their mother. Soo.... in my opinion, yes this is true.
2006-07-02 11:30:12 · answer #6 · answered by jenkjur 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also know about imprinting because of horse training. most people do not say it makes them think you are their mother. but they do beleive it has a huge impact on how they act towards you. for instance, if a horse is around humans since birth, it will be less likely to be scared of humans when it gets older. you kinda of have to be around a horse when it is younr if you want to tran it right away, otherwise it will take longer to gain its trust.
2006-07-03 03:20:35 · answer #7 · answered by jazzmyn_girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, this is true however, keep in mind that wild animals are still wild. baby wild animals become adult wild animals. it takes many generations to truly domesticate a species. still, I grew up on a farm and the chickens and geese we hatched in the incubator liked us humans more than the other chickens and geese. it's not just about sight, though. it's also about sounds and scents!
2006-07-14 08:10:43 · answer #8 · answered by ppille 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is possible. I've raised my share of little critters from the time they were barely weaned. And they all seemed to think I'm momma!
2006-07-02 10:57:56 · answer #9 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yea especially with racoons.
2006-07-02 10:47:20 · answer #10 · answered by R.I.P Casey Calvert 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋