An inexpensive system for continuously recording maternal behavior in the laboratory rat

A system is described for the continuous recording of time spent on the nest by mother rats. Accurate estimates of nursing time are obtained by limiting the space available for nesting and making food and water available only outside of the nesting area. The apparatus may also be used to monitor preparturient circadian activity, and to estimate the time of parturition. It is suggested that continuous monitoring of maternal nesting behavior be an important adjunct to experiments involving manipulation of the mother or litter.