Handling and Training

Introduction

Handling can cause distress to marmosets. Capture should only be carried out if there is no alternative, e.g. for essential veterinary procedures.

To avoid direct handling marmosets can be trained to co-operate with husbandry procedures using a technique called ‘Positive Reinforcement Training’. Training can also lead to other benefits, including reduced levels of stress and boredom for the marmosets, and an improved relationship between carer and marmosets.

Handling

Disadvantages of Direct Handling

Handling can cause fear and distress to marmosets.

Recommended Handling Procedure

Training

What is Positive Reinforcement Training?

Offering Food

Time and Training

Advantages of Training

Cooperation with Procedures

Some examples of husbandry procedures that marmosets can be trained to cooperate with:

Weighing

A marmoset holding plastic spoon through bars of its cage

Moving Marmosets Between Cages and Enclosures

Collar Cleaning

Return to Their Enclosure After Any Escapes

Important: training done badly is even worse than when no training is done at all. It is essential to learn the correct techniques, ideally by going on a course.