Capuchin Monkeys as Pets

Found in the mid-canopy regions of northern and central south American rainforests, tropical forests and dry forests, the Capuchin monkey is the next endearing monkey of the monkey species, after the adorable marmosets. These monkeys weigh around 3-9 pounds and appear quite lean and agile. Their fur is a shade of light tan or cream around the face, neck and shoulders, while the rest of the body fur is dark brown in color.

Monkeys, despite being wild animals have always fascinated mankind. However, getting a monkey as a pet is not like getting a domestic pet. Taking care of monkeys in captivity is an expensive, time-consuming and a very difficult affair. Despite the complexities involved in keeping monkeys as pets, some people want to have this monkey as their pet.

Check the Law
If you really want to get a Capuchin monkey home and keep him or her as your pet, then the first step is to check what the law in your State says. Several states in the US, have outlawed owning a primate, thus, you need to check with your state or county authorities, regarding the legality of getting Capuchin monkeys as pets.

Availability of a Vet
Primates cannot be treated by the regular veterinarians. They have to be treated by special veterinarians, who have been trained to treat primates. If a primate vet is not available in your vicinity, then there is no point getting a Capuchin monkey as pet. You will be simply putting the animal's life in danger, by keeping it in a place where no immediate medical aid is available.

Enclosure
The cage needs to be at least 6 feet tall. Moreover, it should be spacious enough for the monkey to frolic around and should also house a number of interesting and attractive toys, for the monkey to play with.

Diet
Capuchin monkeys eat anything from insects, fruits, bird's eggs, juvenile lizards, nestlings, cicadas, grasshoppers, ants and even flowers in the natural Capuchin monkey habitat, of the forest regions. These primates have a highly complex diet and often pet owners get fed up trying to feed the right food to their pet monkeys. These monkeys are prone to diabetes, thus, sugar intake must be controlled. The biscuits and canned food for this monkey are available in stores. Then fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, potatoes, carrots, peas and peanuts can also be given to these monkeys. Once in a while, one can give them a cricket to relish on. Fish, chicken, turkey, beef and other meats can also be occasionally given to them. The vet will give you proper instructions about the diet.

Behavior Issues
Several pet owners bring Capuchin monkeys because of the cute, adorable appearance they have when they are little. However, the trouble starts when the monkey reaches sexual maturity. The monkey is not the problem, but, it's the pet owner who fails to train the monkey well. Bad training causes the monkey to become aggressive in behavior. They may even use their sharp teeth to bite. If the monkey happens to bite someone, you can be sued and the monkey can be taken away from you. Thus, training the monkey and teaching him or her to behave is very crucial.

Scores of people run to pet stores, to bring home Capuchin monkeys, before actually stopping to realize what responsibility they are piling on their heads. It's only after they get into it that they realize the task is way daunting. Capuchin monkeys live for over 40 years, so it's not a joke! Do not be impulsive and be patient while taking such decisions, especially if you are a busy person. Conduct thorough research and only after comprehending the pros and cons of getting a primate as pet, should you go ahead with it. Getting Capuchin monkeys as pets is a good idea, only if you are ready to shoulder the responsibilities, which come along with it.