Comments On: Monkey Care

This Monkey Care was given to me to share by Charlie Smith in 1993. I recommend before trying any medical advice to consult a veterinarian experienced with primates first. Some of the suggestions maybe out of date. My intent on sharing this with you is not to scare you from getting a monkey, but to inform you what is involved if you make the decision to be a caretaker for a monkey. My experience with Trouble which is over seven years with him has me agreeing much of what it written here. Key note is this was written for the monkey's sake. Brad and Trouble
SHOULD YOU BUY A MONKEY???? Many people are enchanted by their human characteristics, and indeed they have many such. They can be lovable, affectionate, dependent, energetic, enthusiastic and entertaining. However, they can also be despondent, morose, aggressive and down right dangerous. They often have quick tempers, can sulk and pout and hold grudges, be independent, insolent, indifferent to training and occasionally vindictive. Yes, they are very much like humans! Present Federal Legislation, some already passed and some pending makes the importation of Simians for the pet trade illegal, and the sale of simians in pet-shops without a federal permit also illegal. Only for research, zoos and breeding colonies will their importation and sale be sanctioned. Many States also have legislation passed and pending requiring permits, some costing $100.00 a year, to keep a monkey that you already own. These laws apply to many other exotic pets as well. So far private owners have not been forbidden to sell or put up for adoption a pet they presently own though it may come to that. Gibbons can not be transferred to new owners in some States now. If you still can acquire a monkey somewhere legally be sure that you understand what you are getting into. Monkeys most available today are the Macaques: Rhesus, Stumptail, Pig_tail and Java Guenons: Mona and Vervet Spiders: Black, Variegated, Golden and Brown Woolies: Brown, Gray and Silver_all Humbolt Woolies Capuchins: White-faced, White-fronted, Cinnamon, Weeper and Tufted or Black-capped Squirrel Monkeys: All sub_species similar, though size varies Marmosets: Cotton-tops, Tamarins An occasional Mangaby or patas monkey might be up for sale or adoption. The males of these two species as also the Stump_tail, Pig_tail and Rhesus macaques can grow to weigh from Forty to Seventy pounds and the Wooley males to Forty. This is a lot of monkey to keep as a pet! Most large monkeys must be kept behind bars when fully adult which is especially true of the males, who, because of hormones and the inborn need to establish dominance and to protect their territory companions, become aggressive, regardless of how much tender loving care they received when they were young. A monkey is and will always be a wild animal, and just because ne has been brought into your home, he cannot negate the millions of years of evolution that have conditioned him. You must be firm with a monkey always; don't let it ever think that you are afraid of it, but don't try whipping it as you might a dog. Don't play rough with it when it is young, as when it matures that play can turn into an attack Don't fight with each other seriously as in play or talk very loud close to it. It makes it nervous, defensive and may turn it against one of the family for life. Don't look it directly in the eye and hold it. In monkey language especially in the larger species this is a threat and you can't expect him to know you don't mean it as such. It is important to consider your way of life before deciding to adopt a simian. It has been said only one person in 10,000 should have a monkey for a pet. If you can't stand to have your hair mussed, your magazines torn, dishes broken, ashtrays upset, lamps knocked over and draperies ripped, don't get a simian for a pet. If you have children think twice, because most monkeys become nervous over sudden noises and quick movements and may be frightened into biting a child. Some children who "have a way" with animals can win their confidence, and all will be well. Most monkeys can get along with dogs and cats if they are properly introduced. They are afraid of large birds but will often kill small ones, so consider your other pets before getting a monkey. Adopting a simian is a long range obligation for they require a great deal of care and companionship if they are to thrive. They may live up to 25 years (even to 40) although this is rare. On the other hand it is wonderful to have an enchanting Pet. which you love, live that long. MONKEY OWNERSHIP IN GENERAL Do not bring a monkey home without a cage to put him in. A monk brought into new surroundings will usually be very frightened and will need the sense of security that his own cage can give him. Practically no monkey should be given complete freedom. When out of his cage he should be watched, because even a little squirrel can open a kitchen cabinet and empty packages. of flour, sugar, coffee, etc., into piles on the floor or poison himself on bleaches, disinfectants, nut_megs or pills. Also such house plants as colius, poinsettias or crown_of_thorns, and such decorations as holly and mistletoe can kill him. His cage should be large enough so that he can climb and swing and play, and therefore you must consider his size and how much he will grow. If you so not have the room for a large cage be sure you get a small monkey. NO bird cage is suitable for a monkey no matter how small, and capuchins and the larger species need very strong cages made with heavy turkey wire or chain link. He should have shelves, a heavy rope or length of hose to swing on (never use chain or a thin rope which can strangle him) and a sleeping box or hammock. The latter should be made of some heavy material as anything which can ravel out or tear can also get wrapped around a hand or foot stopping circulation. or around his neck causing his death. Capuchins especially wrap things around their necks and have strangled on Venetian blind cords. neckties, raveled pieces of old towels etc. Some states are now setting minimum cage sizes, for the larger you can make it the better. However, keep in mind that you must clean it daily and disinfect it at least weekly. Make sure that the cage is so placed that it is not in a draft nor too close to a radiator or register that may deliver too much heat. See to it that there is enough humidity. Too dry a heat in winter can kill it. Do not subject it to sudden drops in temperature, which can cause a cold that may develop into pneumonia. On the other hand if you live in the warm states, don't take it from an air-conditioned house into a hot day_they get heat stroke. If put outside be sure he has water that he can not spill, and shade. A monk can die of sun_stroke in a half hour. Don't leave him at any place where he hasn't something to climb up to get away from strange dogs or "strange people" who sometimes have been known to harm monkeys left out alone. Be very careful of what sort of leash you use if you fasten him out_that he can not get it twisted around his neck. A waist collar or cat harness is preferable to a neck collar for safety reasons, and the leash should be connected to a swivelling ring so that he won't just wrap it around and round the post. The best place for him outside is in a large cage or pen. Don't let a monkey wonder at will outside. They can eat twigs and leaves of cherry or elderberry, rhododendron or laurel, oleander, wisteria and yew, all of which can kill them. In a vegetable garden the foliage of rhubarb, tomato and potato plants are also poisonous. Monkeys can climb up a power pole and be electrocuted. They can run out into traffic and get struck by a car. They can stray into some neighboring property and be shot as a dangerous animal, or killed by a dog. All these things have happened to pet monkeys. If he should escape, don't run after him or let other people try to help by chasing him. Have someone watch where he goes and quickly get some favorite food, a paper bag and a mirror or some shiny object. Sit where he can see you looking in the bag and taking out food, flash the mirror or tin can around and usually his curiosity will bring him down to you. Should you have a baby monkey it should be carried as much as possible. If you must leave it in its cage, give it a stuffed toy or tightly hemmed piece of blanket or terry cloth as a substitute mother. A hammock of man-made sheepskin which is used in hospitals to prevent bed-sores is ideal. It can be bought in the medical supply stores or drug stores that keep such supplies, and while it is expensive it can be washed day after day and look like new, and it cannot be torn or shredded by little "steel fingers". It can be used to line a hanging basket instead of a hammock which will swing gently and make the little one feel "mother" is alive and real. This "sheepskin" is also excellent for sick monks, for those so immobilized by rickets they can only lie, or for padding cages of epileptic simians. Many babies under a year old perish during the first few months of captivity, and the younger they are, the less chance they have for survival. It is very important to watch carefully for any sign of illness because a monk is often dangerously sick before it is obvious. Nearly all young monkeys can be diapered and dressed but about 85 percent of these will not permit it when mature, so keep this in mind. Monkeys do not like to have a soiled diaper on, and some learn to wait until they go back to their cages to relieve themselves, and in time can come out without a diaper and go back to their cage when necessary. Complete "housebreaking" is usually impossible. Diapers can be make with a tail_hole bound with elastic thread or having two or three inches of absorbent material sewn in to form a little sleeve down the tail to prevent leakage. Disposable diapers can be used with tabs in front, taking one corner and crossing it over around the monk so that it fastens to the opposite side of the back_Ditto with the other corner, and you have a pretty leak proof diaper. If you have to tame a monkey, take advantage of its natural curiosity. He is afraid, bu
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i would like to find out more on caring for a monkey! I have a java and bought it a nice cage with a pull out draw which i keep no paper or anything in it. I was told not to put anything on it cause she would eat it. I had tried paper but she tears it up and eats it and i don't want to make her sick.
I fed her fruitcocktail in can, peaches, raw apple,grapes, mixed vegetables, spagetti,whatever i eat i let her taste. She even like potaotoes but i don;t want any of this stuff hurting her. She is 7 months old now and i have had her for about 3 and half months now. She also has some bad habbits like sucking on herself and playing with herself. Is there anything i can do to make her stop that! ANy infomation would help. Thanks Toni
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I like monkeys, spank my monkey for just $5 A bargin
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Ever since the movie Monkey trouble came out, my younger brother has wanted a small, house hold monkey. My parents said they would buy him one, for our loving, floridian panhandle home.The catch: Finding one for sale. If any one has any info, on where we could buy one, adopt one, etc. that would be most helpful. I do understand that having a monkey includes responsibilities, and that will be no problem, if you have any info, e-mail me at:
HillaryLS@e-mailcity.com
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hi...i have recently become extremely interested in owning a monkey..namely a capuchin. i know nothing about then, where to get them, how much they are etcetera. i am SO curious! thanks.
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I'm curois how much a squirrel monkey cost and any local stores in Uslter County,or Dutchess Countey New York.
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HI my name is Charles Loggia and I'm looking to own a black and white capuchins monkey. I live in Long Island, New York and would like to know three answers to these questions.
1. Is it legal to own one in Long Island New York ?
2. Where can I purchase one and for how much ?
Thank you

Charles Loggia

Please e-mail me at saciboy@yahoo.com


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Hi! I am very very interested in owning a monkey.I understand all of the responsibilities and how much care they need. If anyone has any information on where to purchase one or adopt one PLEASE email me. I have dreamed of having a monkey for a long time and i just need information.Thanks alot!
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