Common Marmoset : Handrearing
Sometimes marmosets give birth to more than 2 monkeys. Because the mother can only take care of 2 monkeys, generally the rest dies within the week of birth. To prevent this from happening, it may be necessary to hand-rear one of them.
Don't underestimate it, HAND-REARING is not an easy job !
The first 3 weeks, the youngsters must be fed every 2 hours (0800-2400) with powdered human milk substitute and protein multivitamin concentrate. For the first feeding use 1 teaspoon glucose in 28 ml sterile water (give only 0.3-0.5ml). After 3 weeks you can start with baby cereal from time to time.
Example 1 : Hand rearing - Timetable
Example 2 : Hand rearing - Timetable!!! Instead of using human milk substitute you should consider giving them Primilac. This is a milk substitute for NON-human primates !!!
Gently rub the anal region with cotton wool soaked in baby oil after each feed. This is necessary to keep the anal skin moist.
Keep the infants at a temperature of 25-28°C in a wooden nest box (humidity at 50%).
Give the infant a 'artificial mother' to cling to (like a towel).
After one week give 1 drop of vitamin D3 (twice a week) to your monkey.
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