One woman even had her face and hands ripped off by a chimp that had long been kept as a pet by her close friend. Even feeding a monkey can be a time-consuming and expensive endeavor. Primates need diverse diets full of nutrients, so if you keep a monkey as a pet, expect to spend a lot of time preparing food for it.
Another deterrent to keeping a monkey as a pet is the outrageous cost associated with purchasing and keeping a primate. Not cheap by any means, but some show-quality canines can cost as much. Start looking at bigger primates though and the price climbs exponentially. Your monkey will need a massive enclosure with high ceilings and things to climb.
Many laws govern the captivity, transport, and sale of exotic creatures such as monkeys. Many states have outright banned such exotic pets, though some states do allow them.
Even these states have strict rules regarding the keeping of monkeys as pets, so make sure you do some thorough research before deciding to purchase a pet primate. Currently, at least 15 states will allow some types of primates to be kept as pets, though the specific laws surrounding such actions vary in each state.
No primate makes a good pet, but some are downright awful. The following eight primates, however, are the best of the bunch when it comes to domestication. Chimps can stand nearly 5 feet tall and weigh over pounds.
By the age of 5, a chimp is already stronger than a grown man. Unfortunately, these primates are incredibly dangerous and have maimed and killed people in the past. His body measures between 12 to 22 inches and his tail is about the same length. He weighs between 4 and 15 pounds and lives 35 to 45 years. The squirrel monkey is of similar size, weight and longevity. If size is an issue, you might consider a marmoset or a tamarin -- or even a miniature-sized pygmy marmoset, who has a total length, including tail, of about 10 inches.
Guenons and macaques are larger than capuchins and squirrel monkeys, consequently requiring more space. Make sure you find a reputable breeder who has a USDA license. Primatestore advises you buy directly from a breeder and never through a broker.
Also, it strongly advises against buying from a breeder prepared to sell you a monkey younger than 8 weeks, especially if the infant must be shipped by air. My mom remembers it vividly. You can also expect frequent masturbation. And yet, people still want them in their homes. But for monkeys the opposite end of the body-size spectrum is fraught with peril too. The largest squirrel monkey weighs only about as much as a quart of milk.
And therein lies the problem. In reality, only two of those things are true. There are dozens of primate rescue and rehabilitation centers in the U. Indeed, some of the biggest exporters, like Colombia, have made it illegal to send squirrel monkeys abroad. You will also need to keep diapers on them permanently to keep your house clean. Challenges of Owning a Small Pet Monkey Also keep in mind that purchasing a pet monkey means a much longer commitment than other pets -- and sometimes even a longer commitment than raising and feeding your own human babies.
Aggressive Behavior They may not like the other people in your life, and since they tend to be aggressive as adults, you may run into biting and other unpredictable behaviors.
Care When You're Away It's not as simple as kenneling a dog when you want to go on vacation for a while, plus when you're away at work just for the day, your monkey will need a companion. Difficult to Train It's not like in the movies. Finding a Veterinarian Many veterinarians won't treat monkeys. Destructive Behavior They're messy and destructive no matter how well you train them, especially as adults.
Size of Enclosure Monkeys need large cages of around 20 to 30 square feet or more, even tiny marmosets. Zoonotic Diseases Monkeys can also be a risk for you getting zoonotic diseases such as Herpes B which is found in macaque monkeys. They are illegal in all other states. Things to Consider Before Buying a Pet Monkey Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary in Florida takes in monkeys that are relinquished as pets from owners who either could not handle their care or had them illegally.
Think very carefully before you decide to buy a monkey, because of: The cost of buying and keeping monkeys The potential for aggressive and destructive behavior Inability to house train them and the cage requirements. Being a Responsible Monkey Owner When you're buying a pet monkey, proceed with caution. By Christy Caplan. By Mychelle Blake. By Cheryl Cirelli. Are Raw Peanuts Dangerous to Eat?
By Jeanne Grunert. Finding Vets for Exotic Pets. By Amber L. Funny Skits for Senior Citizens. By Kate Miller-Wilson.
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