A pet monkey can bring a lifetime of joy – as well as some challenges. Here’s what you need to know before you go monkey shopping.
Size and lifespan
There are more than 260 species of monkey ranging in size from the pygmy marmoset (as small as a human thumb) to the mandrill (as big as a large dog). The most popular pet monkeys are capuchins squirrel monkeys tamarins and marmosets.
Monkeys typically live 15-20 years in captivity although some species can live longer. For example tamarins and marmosets have an average lifespan of about 15 years while capuchins and squirrel monkeys can live 20-30 years.
Temperament
Monkeys are very intelligent and social animals. They need interaction with their own kind (or with humans) to stay happy and healthy. Most pet monkeys are kept in pairs or small groups.
Monkeys can also be very playful – especially when they’re young. But as they reach adulthood they can become aggressive and territorial. This is one of the reasons why monkeys are not recommended as pets for families with young children.
Care and feeding
Monkeys are not easy to care for. They need a large cage or enclosure and plenty of toys and climbing structures to keep them entertained. They also need a special diet that includes fruits vegetables nuts and insects.
Monkeys are also very messy and their cage will need to be cleaned daily.
Training and behavior
Monkeys can be trained to do tricks but this takes patience and time. They can also be potty trained but this is often not successful.
Monkeys can also be very destructive and they will often chew on electrical wires and furniture. They may also bite if they’re scared or feel threatened.
Health concerns
Monkeys can carry diseases that are harmful to humans such as tuberculosis hepatitis and simian herpes virus. They can also pass these diseases to other animals so it’s important to make sure your monkey is up-to-date on its vaccinations.
Monkeys can also be injured when they’re mishandled or when they fall from heights.
Is a monkey the right pet for you?
Monkeys are not for everyone. They require a lot of time effort and money to care for properly. They can also be dangerous if they’re not treated with respect.
Before you decide to get a monkey do your research and make sure you’re prepared to provide a lifetime of care.
What are some things you need to take into consideration before getting a pet monkey?
You need to make sure that you have enough space for a monkey as they require a lot of room to move around.
You also need to think about whether or not you’re comfortable with a monkey living in your home.
Additionally you need to be prepared to commit to taking care of a monkey for the duration of its life as they can live up to 40 years.
What do monkeys eat?
Monkeys are omnivores so their diet consists of both plants and animals.
However their diet varies depending on the species of monkey.
For example spider monkeys largely eat fruits while rhesus monkeys eat mostly insects.
How much does it cost to buy a pet monkey?
It can cost anywhere from $4000 to $8000 to buy a pet monkey.
How do you care for a pet monkey?
Caring for a pet monkey involves providing them with a large enclosure as well as a varied diet that meets their nutritional needs.
Additionally you need to make sure that the monkey has access to enrichment activities such as toys and climbing structures.
Where can you buy a pet monkey?
There are a number of exotic animal dealers that sell pet monkeys.
Is it legal to own a pet monkey?
It depends on the country or state you live in.
In some places it is legal to own a pet monkey while in others it is not.
What type of housing do pet monkeys need?
Pet monkeys need a large enclosure that is safe and secure.
The enclosure should also be equipped with enrichment activities such as toys and climbing structures.
What is the lifespan of a pet monkey?
The lifespan of a pet monkey depends on the species but they can generally live between 20 and 40 years.
Do pet monkeys require special care?
Yes pet monkeys require special care.
This includes providing them with a large enclosure as well as a varied diet that meets their nutritional needs.
Additionally you need to make sure that the monkey has access to enrichment activities such as toys and climbing structures.
How much does it cost to care for a pet monkey?
It can cost upwards of $1000 per month to care for a pet monkey.
Are pet monkeys high maintenance?
Yes pet monkeys are high maintenance.
This is because they require a large enclosure as well as a varied diet that meets their nutritional needs.
Additionally you need to make sure that the monkey has access to enrichment activities such as toys and climbing structures.
Do pet monkeys require a lot of space?
Yes pet monkeys require a lot of space.
This is because they need a large enclosure as well as room to move around and play.
What do pet monkeys like to play with?
Pet monkeys like to play with a variety of toys as well as climb on enrichment structures.
What is the diet of a pet monkey?
The diet of a pet monkey varies depending on the species of monkey.
For example spider monkeys largely eat fruits while rhesus monkeys eat mostly insects.
Do pet monkeys need to be vaccinated?
Yes pet monkeys need to be vaccinated against a variety of diseases such as rabies and hepatitis.
