Monkeys as Pets

Keeping monkeys as pets is really challenging, as you should be committed and gain enough knowledge about these primates to keep them as pets. Be prepared that you should have to spend enough time with your pets by cleaning and preparing foods for them. They are constant attention seekers; if left unattended, these may become a menace. Investment of time is essential to build an interactive relationship with your pet. Your tolerance and patience levels should be high, in order to see them copulating in front of the public and scratching their private parts. They are not so clean animals, as they spill food and make their surroundings dirty. One of their behavioral traits is, that they smile, only when they get frightened and nervous.

Useful Tips

Pet monkeys require health check-ups frequently, as a result, bearing the expenses may not be so easy. If a monkey gets irritated he/she can bite his/her owner as well. Before keeping these wild animals as pets, ensure that you check all the legal laws from the municipality in your area, ahead of bringing home your pet monkey. Let's find out about the different species that are ideal as pets.

Capuchin Monkeys
Found in South and Central America, capuchins belong to the group of New World monkeys. They are known for their high intelligence level and are good companions of humans. They have a height, ranging from 30-56 centimeters, excluding the tail. Keeping a capuchin monkey, requires long term commitment as they have a lifespan of 40 to 50 years. A strong cage is required for your pet's security. They love to eat a varied diet. Variety in their diet keeps boredom away from your pet. Their diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables along with seeds and nuts. They may also prefer to feed on insects like mealworms, crickets and grasshoppers. A good supplement of vitamins is must for your monkey's health. Look for a nearby veterinarian, as they require health check-ups once in a year. Hunting games are not preferred by infant capuchins, as they love to cuddle.

Squirrel Monkeys
Originated in South America, these are about 25-35 centimeters tall. Being omnivorous, they prefer eating fruits and insects. They look beautiful and are fun to watch while playing. They seem cute due to their small appearance and are very hyperactive by nature. They have sharp teeth and if annoyed, can bite the owner. It is not necessary that they feed on whatever food you provide because it depends upon their temper. Hence, it is time-consuming, searching for proper food for your pets. Some pet stores do keep food specifically meant for them. Babies can be fed on milk primarily and later, can be given solid foods. Nutritious foods will keep your little pets happy and helps to build their immune system.

Marmoset Monkeys
Originated in South America, these are from the family of callitrichids. They are 14-16 centimeters tall. They prefer a rotating diet that should consist of carrots, cucumber, broccoli, fresh fruits, and do not forget to supplement their foods with New World primate biscuits. You can offer delicious breakfast, like cooked pasta or cooked oatmeal at a regular basis to marmosets, as they love to eat different varieties of meals. Provide them with 125 mg of chewable vitamin C tablet and vitamin D₃ supplement to encourage healthy growth. Marmosets require towels and blankets to wrap up, in order to snuggle. Marmosets are intelligent, small creatures that require a large enclosure for jumping and playing. Due to high space requirement, pet owners allow them to run free in their home. If trained properly, they will defecate in a given place. They have a habit of passing urine, frequently. If kept singly, they will try to become a member of your family.

As a pet owner, you should provide your pet monkey with proper housing, adequate food, and attention. Being social animals, they have emotional needs, and are highly intelligent.