The infant Aye-Aye spends significant time in the nest with its mother, closely observing her behaviors. They learn grooming and hunting techniques by mimicking their mother's actions. The percussive foraging is learned through this observational process and mastering this complex behavior requires time and practice. (Rakotondrazandry et al., 2021; Quinn & Wilson, 2004).
It is extremely difficult to observe just how long it takes for this behavior to develop because the Aye-Aye is nocturnal and solitary. Captive aye-ayes show development far different than those in the wild; use of the third digit occurs around 1 year old for those in the wild (Quinn & Wilson, 2004).