Environmental enrichment for captive wildlife through the simulation of gum feeding (1993)

Kelly, K.

Abstract

Gum-feeders consisted of eight dowel segments with four drilled-out circular cavities (gum reservoirs) that were stacked onto a threaded, metal rod, secured with wing nuts, and wired onto the existing cage furniture. The marmosets not only accepted and fed from these gum-feeders, but became possessive of them when replacement was needed. .... We expanded the natural-branch idea to the use of floor-to-ceiling-length tree limbs, oriented in vertical and diagonal position. This additional length of the feeders allowed us to provide eight feeding sites (gum reservoirs) in three locations on each feeder - near the top, in the middle, and near the bottom. Having the opportunity to demonstrate their natural gum-foraging behavior stimulated some of the animal's other natural behaviors, i.e., compatible sharing of feeders and feeding sites, methods of food acquisition, and territoriality and dominance. .... The gum-filled syringe was used for oral medication without stressing the animals in any way. [This work has also been published in:Animal Keepers Forum 15: 396-401, 1988; Peterson G, Kelly K, Miller L; Use of an artificial gum-tree feeder for marmosets. - American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) Regional Conference Proceedings: 569-575, 1990; Newman L, Peterson G, Davis D, Kelly K, Miller L; Simulating gumnivory in captivity - Environmental enrichment for marmosets and other captive animals.]