Marmosets and Tamarins (Part Three)
© Sue Gale
Abnormal behavior patterns caused by separation and isolation from the natural family group (Maturational Arrest) are difficult, and sometimes impossible to correct once they have developed. As many neurotic behavior patterns become most noticeable at sexual maturity, male monkeys are sometimes castrated in an attempt to control aggression. Hyperaggressivity, or misplaced aggression is a neurological disorder and castration will not usually make a difference.
The ultimate goal in rehabilitation is to replace abnormalities, with natural behavior patterns. Providing a natural environment with a mate, or suitable companion is helpful in most cases. It is essential that the primate be given the opportunity to express natural instincts, such as foraging, socializing, etc. However, some older Marmosets and Tamarins, not accustomed to environmental enrichment may respond with fear, and introduction to the new enclosure has to be a slow process. If a monkey was housed in a parrots cage, for a number of years, placing the parrots cage in the new larger outdoor enclosure and leaving the door open, can greatly reduce stress. In this way, the monkey can become accustomed to the new environment while still having the security of familiar surroundings. Primates deprived of company of their own kind may also respond with fear or aggression when introduced to a partner. Adjoining enclosures during the introduction stages work well. In extreme cases, tunnels can be erected to provide the monkey with the opportunity to view others of its own kind without feeling threatened. In this way, an insecure monkey can run back to the safety of its own enclosure. A very stable, parent raised adult monkey is often the best partner for an unstable Marmoset or Tamarin. In many cases, the monkey undergoing rehabilitation will, over a period of time, copy some correct behavior patterns of its stable parent raised partner. This is especially true of younger monkeys. Young monkeys, still in the process of learning, placed with a unstable companion may imitate incorrect behavior patterns from the older unstable monkey and develop the same disorders.
A pair of unstable Marmosets or Tamarins seldom breed, but if births do occur - the pair and infants should be monitored very closely, as many will be incapable of raising their young and often the infants will have to be pulled for hand rearing. The hand-reared babies should be introduced to a stable primate family at the earliest possible age. This will ensure that they will learn the correct behavior patterns of the stable family and develop into stable adults.
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