Squirrel monkeys, capuchins, spiders, and macaques are all types of monkeys people keep as pets. Some are more social, while others can be on the nervous side. These monkeys all have the same general care requirements, though larger monkeys will need more space than the smaller ones. Apes, such a chimpanzees, gibbons and orangutans are not monkeys and should not be kept as pets. They are much stronger than humans and can become quite dangerous in a domestic situation.
The monkey may become aggressive. When monkeys are babies, they are dependent and sweet, like baby humans. But when they reach sexual maturity, which happens around age 3 or 4, their behavior can become unpredictable. Monkeys are wild animals, and unlike cats and dogs, they have not been socialized to live with humans over thousands of years. Even a monkey who has bonded with a human as a baby may unpredictably bite and attack his owner or become quite difficult to live with as an adult. [2] X Research source You’ll have to say goodbye to your free time. Monkeys cannot be left to their own devices. They need constant attention and care, or else they can end up hurting themselves or someone else. And since they tend to bond with just one person, it’s difficult to find a good monkey-sitter when you need some time to yourself. Your monkey may prevent you from having relationships you want. Monkeys tend to bond with just a few people. Having a monkey might prevent you from getting intimately involved with potential partners to whom the monkey has a negative reaction. Monkeys don’t get along well with children, so having a monkey could keep you from starting a family. All that said, if you are one of the unique people with the temperament and discipline it takes to devote your life to the safety and care of your monkey, you may be rewarded with an amazing experience. Monkeys are intelligent, endlessly entertaining, and sometimes incredibly affectionate. Many people who share their lives with monkeys embrace the challenges and wouldn’t trade their time with their beloved pets for anything.
Some US states allow monkeys to be kept as pets, but have strict regulations as to the conditions under which the monkeys should be contained. Regulations regarding pet monkeys are different in countries outside the US. Look into the laws in your jurisdiction to find out whether there are any restrictions on which animals you can keep as pets.
Ask the dealer or breeder for the contact information of someone else who has bought a monkey from them. That way you can check into the monkey’s health and behavior. [4] X Research source Expect to pay upwards of $1,000 for a monkey of any species. A baby squirrel monkey can cost over $8,000. Older monkeys are less expensive, but much more difficult to handle once you bring them home. Before you make a purchase, visit with the monkey you’d like to buy and make sure you have a connection and can see yourself living with the monkey. Never purchase a monkey from outside the country. It’s illegal to ship a monkey from outside the United States.
You can purchase a monkey cage, but many owners prefer to build their own so they can customize them to their personal space. Wooden or steel poles and chain-link fencing make good materials for monkey cages. You may want to have an outdoor monkey cage as well as one indoors, or build a monkey cage attached to a heated outdoor shed that will provide shelter for the monkey. Be sure to follow your state’s regulations regarding the dimensions, entryways and locks on monkey cages. In some cases the regulations differ according to what type of monkey you own. Monkeys like to climb, so provide a cage with plenty of height. Add branches, hanging ropes, and other features that will allow your monkey to climb around the cage.
Don’t let monkeys have access to anything with a cord. Make sure all electronics are out of their reach. They’ll tear down curtains, knock over lamps and chew on furniture. Put away any items you aren’t comfortable letting them destroy. You might want to have one or two designated “monkey rooms” that the monkeys are allowed to play in, and have the rest of the house be off-limits. Remember that monkeys can turn doorknobs and open windows, so if you’re planning to let the monkey stay there unsupervised, you’ll need to make sure the room is as secure as a cage would be, with locks and bars on the windows.
You may also feed your monkey grasshoppers, mealworms, cooked chicken (with no spices), hard boiled eggs, yogurt, rice, grain and nuts. Do not feed your monkey anything that is considered “junk food” for a human. Sugary treats, ice cream, baked goods, snack foods, fast food, and raw meat should never be fed to a monkey. Depending on the type of monkey you have, you may also need to supplement his diet with extra vitamins. Monkeys kept inside may need extra vitamin D to account for the lack of sun exposure.
Try hiding the monkey’s food inside a box, or in a container with small holes that the monkey can reach one hand into. The monkey will have fun trying to figure out how to get to the food. Give the monkey stuffed animals, balls, and other toys to throw around and play with. Switch out the toys frequently so the monkey won’t get bored.
If you have more than one monkey, less social time is necessary. Many monkeys are happier living with others of their kind. If you can afford more than one, they’ll live happily together in the same cage.
The best way to deal with negative behaviors is to make sure the monkey isn’t lacking something that he needs to be content. Does he have enough stimulation every day? Is he getting plenty of exercise? Are you playing with him enough? Monkeys that are afraid or agitated might bite from time to time. Again, you can’t deal with this by punishing the monkey. Instead, get to know his moods and learn to leave him alone when he might be in the mood to bite.
If you have to go out of town and leave the monkey in someone else’s care, make sure it’s someone the monkey has met many times and has come to trust. Leaving the monkey with a total stranger could be stressful for him and lead to dangerous consequences.
