Capuchin Monkey Care

Though not as common and popular as cats and dogs, but monkeys are a choice of a few people wanting to have exotic pets. Though not entirely a safe choice, as monkeys are naturally instinctive, it does not mean they cannot be kept at home. Monkeys can never be completely trained, but at the same time cannot be left to be the way they are. Thus, owning a pet monkey is more of a challenge than a joy.

Capuchin Monkey Facts

Capuchin monkeys are a particular type of new world monkeys, more intelligent compared to their peers. This is the reason humans like them as companions and have been keeping them for a long time. Some interesting facts are listed below:

• These monkeys are classified under Cebus genus, a part of the larger Cebinate family which includes squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys and woolly monkeys.
• The name 'Capuchin' is derived from their appearance or color to be more precise, which looks like cowls worn by Roman Catholic Monks of the Capuchin order.
• Capuchin monkey habitat includes places in north and central America like - Brazil, Peru, Honduras, Paraguay and are mostly found in forests.
• They are lean and agile and weigh between 3 to 9 pounds. Usually, their fur is cream or light tan in appearance around the neck, face and shoulders. The remaining body fur is dark brown in color.
• Their height can be anywhere between 30 to 55 cm and have tails equal to the length of their bodies.
• They are arboreal and diurnal. Thus, they spend most of the day on trees looking for food, take a short afternoon nap and sleep on tree branches at night.
• When it comes to diet, these monkeys are omnivores. This means they eat fruits, seeds, buds, nuts, apart from eating spiders, insects, small vertebrate and bird eggs.
• These monkeys are also known as 'organ grinder' monkeys and can be kept as pets, only if proper Capuchin monkey care is taken. They do have a tendency to harm humans.
• At certain places, these monkeys are used as service animals and being trained to help quadriplegics, same way as mobility assistance dogs are used.
• They mostly stay in groups of 8 to 40 members, comprising both male and female members.
• These moneys soak their hands and feet in urine to mark their territories.
• Gestation period for female Capuchin monkeys is for about 180 days and newborn monkeys are stuck to the mothers chest.
• Life expectancy is for about 15 to 25 years, though some of them have been even known to survive for 40 - 45 years.

Caring for a Capuchin Monkey

Keeping Capuchin monkeys as pets requires a long time commitment. The following instructions should be useful.

Municipality Conformation
Before you pick up a Capuchin monkey, it is better to check with the local municipality if it is legal to keep a pet monkey in your locality. Some areas are very strict when it comes to animals and pets and to avoid any court trouble later on, ensure your area does not have any such restrictions.

The Cage
The cage you build for your monkey should be at least 6 feet tall. There are risks involved on keeping the monkey free at home, as it can create havoc. Although you may want it to run around in your presence, it is a bad idea when there is nobody at home. Thus keeping it in a cage is more of an act of kindness than harshness.

Diet
Keep changing and monitoring his diet regularly. Begin with a basic diet and then start giving him fruits, raw/cooked vegetables, bread, nuts, seeds and hard-boiled eggs. Capuchin monkeys can also be fed with insects like mealworms, grasshoppers and crickets. Include some vitamin supplement in the diet as well.

Toys and Outdoors
Provide the monkey with a variety of toys. Mostly toys you give babies and toddlers are good enough. Keep your monkey on a leash while taking him outdoors. More often than not, monkeys prefer sitting on shoulders but in case he tries going where he should not, you can always hold him back.

Health Check
A Capuchin monkey will need a total health checkup once every year which will include blood testing, TB test and a parasite checkup. Take the monkey to a good and recognized veterinarian, even if it requires you to move a little far from your locality. Take the monkey to a vet who specializes in monkeys and if you are unable to find one, contact a zoo in your locality to help you with the same.

Think properly before you decide to keep a Capuchin monkey as a pet. Looking at the instructions should give you an idea for keeping them as pets. A final warning - these monkeys are extremely smart in getting away from captivity, so good luck in keeping them at a single place.