Psychological wellbeing of common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) females living in same-sex pairs (2001)

Majolo, B., Buchanan-Smith, H. M.

Abstract

Common marmosets are often housed in same-sex pairs in laboratories for practical reasons. .. We found that females in same-sex pairs spent more time watching out of their cages than those in family groups, but we found no other significant differences in activity budgets and social behaviours. Stress-related behaviours occurred very rarely. Therefore, at this gross behavioural level, the behaviour of female pairs of common marmosets resembles that of females living in family groups suggesting that this method of housing does not compromise their welfare.