A Useless bit of information:
Humans and chimpanzees have the same amount of hair per given surface area. A chimp's is just heavier.
Monkeys are very lively, intelligent and a lot like humans. They are one of the most amazing animals that exist. That is one reason why folks think that they would be a wonderful pet. Unlike other pets, primates haven't evolved throughout many years to live compatibly with people. They are not domesticated animals. You should always remember that they are actually wild animals who are not equipped to live with people. To assure that a primate is healthy as well as content is a monumental task. It is also a very costly undertaking and quite expensive and primates take a great deal of time and care to keep. When you are thinking about bringing a money home to live with you, you must consider the following facts.
Living With A Wild Animal Don't every lose sight of the fact that monkeys are wild. The same as other wild animals, their friendliness and affection as an infant is lost the closer they come to reaching adulthood, When in the adult stage, the monkey may actually become aggressive and could attack someone with only slight provocation. The majority of primates that you may see on television programs are very young. Adult primates are not usually seen outside of their cages. Even if you hand-raise a baby primate, it doesn't not eliminate this instinctive change in the monkey's behavior. The fact is, when you deprive a baby monkey of the usual relationship he has with this mother and "family" group, this in itself can cause an entire lifetime of neurotic behavior.
The Mess Every home that has a monkey for a pet has one problem in common. They all have shattered lamps and other household items, torn curtains, lots of upset plants and a very distinguishable smell. Monkeys must be observed the entire time that they are left free to roam. Even small squirrel monkeys have the ability to open cupboard doors and upset all your containers of flour, sugar, liquid and household cleaners in no time at all. Large monkeys will open your fridge, turn faucets on, tear right through screens, open doors, and tip chairs, tables, stereos and t.v.s over. Any poisonous medicines or cleansers have to be well-secured somewhere. |
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You will need to clean up urine, feces, sometimes diarrhea, and if you cannot abide this then a monkey is not for you. You must clean and disinfect each and every day maybe even more frequently than that. Primates are very excitable. They will relieve themselves anywhere when they get frightened. Monkeys are very difficult to house-train. That is why they are usually diapered. You may be able to train a very young monkey but he will inevitably forget all about what he has learned when he reaches maturity.
Legality
Another thing you need to do is get in touch with your local regulatory agency (usually animal control or the health department) to find what the restrictions may be regarding individuals having primates for pets. In some cities and states you will not be allowed to keep primates and in others you will need a permit. Never buy a monkey and then check because it will be too late then and you will have to make other arrangements for a home for him.
Grown Monkeys
Baby monkeys are very affectionate, good-natured pets. However, mature monkeys are a whole different ball game. There is a drastic change of temperament when a monkey becomes mature. Every monkey becomes quite temperamental the older they get. If you do keep a primate you have to be very careful and learn their moods. They will attack anyone, even their keepers many times without any warning. Each monkey has his own unique personality. Many of them don't take to strangers and kids. Other monkeys very often will suddenly change from being fondest of one person to a another with no rhyme nor reason.
Putting clothes on a younger monkey may seem very humorous to their owners but as a monkey matures they will usually become very resistant to it and just won't allow it.
If you think you can teach a monkey any tricks, you are wrong. You would have to be a professional animal trainer. Even they must replace their monkeys as they reach maturity and become unpredictable. The majority of primates become mature at approximately four years of age.
Another thing to remember is that that monkeys are completely uninhibited and they sometimes may engage in behaviors that embarrass you.
Important Facts To Know
First of all, every monkey will bite! It is a natural behavior that is their way of showing that they are angry and there is no way to break this habit. If you punish your animal for biting, he will feel frightened and this can have a serious outcome! Another thing you should know is that spaying or neutering your primate doesn't have any effect on his aggressive behavior at all. Removing the monkey's teeth is cruel and the monkey can still bite even without his teeth and cause a painful injury!
Keep your monkey away from strangers, including your neighbors and relatives and also your kids' pals. In a lot of states Animal Control will destroy a any primate who has bitten someone to give it a Rabies Test. Investing in liability insurance is a must as folks who are bitten often sue. Make sure also that your family has some type of comprehensive health insurance. Also. a bite, especially one on the hand, can keep you from any work duties for as long as a couple of weeks!
Responsibility
An average primate lives for about forty years. In that time, they will never adapt to new situations very well at all. You should think about what happens if you bring someone new into your household or worse yet, if you should have to move. What would happen to your pet if monkeys are not allowed in the area you plan on moving to? You need to take these things into consideration prior to purchasing a monkey not afterward when it is too late.
If you go on a vacation, what accommodations will you make for your monkey? Not an easy task finding out! Remember, your duties and the responsibility that you owe to your pet are not going to disappear when it is inconvenient for you.
Housing
You will need a very large cage (approximately 4 feet by 6 feet in dimension) so if you don't have space for one, then a monkey is not the pet for you. Your monkey will also need plenty of room to exercise. A lot of primate keepers reserve an entire room just for their monkey. If they do not have ample space or company, monkeys can become very depressed and have even been known to go "insane"! A tire swing, ropes for climbing and other appropriate toys should be given to your pet monkey and then replaced quite often as monkeys, just like humans, become bored quite easily.
Monkey's need to have an environment that is warm, draft-free and dry. They should have places both indoors and out to "relax" as they need the sun for Vitamin D. They should always be provided with an area that is shaded when outdoors.
Cost
Food for a monkey will run about $25.00 per week. Some monkeys will need to have special diets although all of them need a well-balanced one. This will usually include a basis of commercial primate biscuits that should be supplemented by plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and live insects. Vitamins should also be given.
Veterinary Care
Most veterinarians know little about primates. A lot of them will not have primates as patients. It may be necessary to travel for many miles to get the simplest of medical care. On this subject, never purchase a monkey without having a qualified veterinarian examine it and give it a good bill of health.
Carefully think about all of the above before deciding to get a monkey! If you are still determined afterward to get one, you can learn any necessary information that you may need by contacting The Simian Society of America .
If you do get one of these challenging pets, the best of luck to you! Enjoy it!
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