The UFAW Handbook on the Care and Management of Laboratory Animals (7th ed): Squirrel Monkeys (1999)

Mendoza, S. P.

Abstract

General husbandry recommendations for squirrel monkeys. The most common form of stereotypic behavior in squirrel monkeys is an exaggerated head twirling, usually associated with pacing. ... The incidence of the behaviour seems to be more frequent in small cages, and frequent occurrence of this behaviour may indicate that more space is required. Tail biting and hair pulling are infrequent behaviours of unknown cause. ... Efforts to prevent the behaviour by introduction of toys, swings or other enrichment devices have been largely unsuccessful. Squirrel monkeys are easily trained to enter small transport cages from larger group cages (p. 598). [Training technique is described.] Tail biting and hair pulling are infrequent behaviouirs of unknown cause. In our colony .. these behaviour emerge in a social group, become frequent for a period of time, and then cease. Efforts to prevent the behaviour by introduction of toys, swings or other enrichment devices have been largeley unsuccessful. [p. 599] Female-female aggression is actually more common than male-male aggression, but tends to be less severe. The rsik of injurious aggression among males can be minimized by providing cages with visual blinds, so that males can withdraw out of sight of othe group members.