Figure 2.

Duration of dam-pup interaction is similar for limited-nesting (ES) and control dams. In contrast, the experimental dams leave the nest area more frequently than control dams. A, Graphic depiction of the average number of sorties from the nest for control (n = 6) and ES (n = 12) dams throughout P2–P8, the period of their stay in the modified cages. The number of sorties from the nest was significantly higher for ES dams than controls [F_(1,6) = 12.61; P < 0.001, effect of nesting material, two-way ANOVA]. B, Graphic depiction of the duration of dam-pup interaction (measured as time spent by each dam in contact with pups within the nest area) did not differ significantly between the two groups [F(_1,6) = 0.01; P > 0.05, two-way ANOVA].