Comments On: monkey matters: The Video

Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 1 of 21]
Types of Monkeys appearing in this video: Pygmy Marmoset, Common Marmoset, Cotton
Topped Tamarin, Red Handed Tamarin, Dwarf Bushbaby, Garnett's Bushbaby, Ring Tailed
Lemur, Brown Lemur, Squirrel Monkey, Cinnamon Capuchin, White Faced Capuchin, Black
Capped Capuchin, Lesser Spot Nosed Guenon, Vervet, Mona Guenon, De Brazza Guenon, Java
Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, Lion Tailed Macaque, Spider Monkey, Hamadryas Baboon, White
Handed Gibbon Siamang, and Orangutan.
Before we start MANDATORY INFORMATION. A few facts you should know about
monkeys:
Monkeys are social emotional creatures with complex social emotional needs. They are animals
that require serious well-educated caretakers.
To an individual extent, monkeys change in their needs and behaviors at different life stages.
They are subject to their own inherent traits, the effects of the environment(s) they have been
raised in and whether or not they have a quality, bonded relationship with a human caretaker,.
same species primate and or other social animal.
Monkeys can be a rewarding and positive experience. Yet with improper understanding and
precaution, some mature monkeys can be difficult and even dangerous to humans.
A fulfilling and enriched captive lifestyle can be offered to all primates. Yet receiving improper
human care and precaution can be detrimental and or life threatening to monkeys.
Keeping captive monkeys in pairs or groups as adults requires knowledgeable & vigilant
caretakers. Two or more monkeys in a social relationship can result in social benefits &
stimulation--- or in social challenges, tension & aggression, which can be life threatening.
Use good judgement when applying enrichment ideas to your particular primate.
For safety's sake.....enrichment is best offered under supervision.
From the smallest to the largest monkeys in the wild have a way of life that is full of challenge
and activity. Young monkeys move to play. All monkeys move to forage, to avoid undesirable
companions or to flee from predators. A wild habitat is full of interesting sights, smells, sounds,
social companions and novel adventure. The ability to jump, swing, tumble and run promotes a
monkey's physical health and psychological well-being. Food foraging is a motivator, a stimulus and a challenge which also promotes psychological well-being. The satisfaction and simulation of social interaction including social games, forming social alliances and social bonding is essential for a monkey's psychological well-being. How much of these important elements can we built into the captive monkey's environment? Brad and Trouble
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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 2 of 21]
The sunflower seed studded apple provides hands on enrichment. Press unshelled sunflower seeds into an apple, pair or other fruit or vegetable. Monkeys interact with their enrichment in unique ways. This white faced capuchin uses the apple to experiment with characteristic capuchin nut cracking behavior. Apple seeds contain trace amounts of arsenic so apples are best cored first for most monkeys.
A hammock is a good enrichment item to rotate in and out every few weeks. This male white faced capuchin uses as a soft spot for lounging, grooming or napping. If they have enough space monkeys will jump in and out of the hammock during play. Some monkey learn to keep their hammock free of droppings. But hammocks can be pressured hosed in place or removed easily for detergent washing. The hammock is made from heavy cotton duct cloth. A dol slides in a machine sewn loop at each end. Screw eyes are attached to the dol ends and snap-locks used to fasten the hammock in the cage. For safety sake remove the hammock at the first sign of torn cloth
Play ball as an enrichment activity.
Grooming is a social activity with physical and psychological benefits. These two female capuchins, a black cap and a white faced, take turns grooming each other. In the wild most primate species spend hours a day grooming with various partners. Mutual grooming can be one of the benefits of having pairs of certain monkeys such as capuchins, guenons, macaques and most other species. Grooming calms and relaxes the groomer and groomee. Usually the more submissive monkey grooms the more dominate monkey first and the longest time. Grooming plays an important role in the social life of primates. Monkeys in a compatible social group has many grooming opportunities. A pigmy marmoset may invite grooming by laying in an inviting position in front of another. The groomer may pick out dandruff and remove foreign material and or parasites from the other's fur. Grooming skills seem to improve with age. Grooming as seen between these two siamangs is a behavior that helps to calm individual and group tensions. Grooming helps to bond the participants and opens the door social climbing in the group. A good groomer is always in high demand. Brad and Trouble

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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 3 of 21]
A hanging PVC feeding tube with holes drilled in it.
This PVC feeder stuffed with browse and treats will help prevent boredom. Your monkey will keep busy using small motor skills to pick bits of food from the tube. Mixing strains of hay or non-toxic plant clippings in with trail-mix or other treats takes more picking and pulling than a feeder with small easy to pull out food pieces. Monkeys also have to climb and assume natural suspensory postures to use this feeder. If you have more than two monkeys consider hanging extra feeders to prevent fighting. The PVC feeder can be easily made with PVC pipe, end caps and a eyebolt all be found at the hardware store. A drill is the only tool needed to complete the project. PVC comes in large diameters and is fairly indestructible even with larger primates.
Foraging in water
Offer water play only under supervision. Hot weather is the perfect time for outdoor water foraging and play. For medium sized and large monkeys scatter grapes, peanuts chopped, vegges or other treats in the bottom of a plastic pool which can be purchased for about ten dollars. If your capuchins, guenons or macaques like the water foraging as this adult female white faced capuchin did they may climb in for a bath or swim. Warm or hot water used in this clip encourages swimming and play. A pool can be filled by attaching a garden hose to a hot water heater. A small cement mixing tub found at hardware stores can be used for marmosets, tamarins or squirrel monkeys. Scatter treats in a shallow depth of water about inch or so for small monkeys or monkeys that are afraid of water. Macaques and some capuchins and guenons may swim in cold water. If you don't yet have an outdoor enclosure belted leashed monkeys can enjoy supervised water play on the back lawn.
Coconut
The coconuts natural ball-like qualities make it an eatable toy for monkeys if they can get inside. Adult monkey, like this spot nose guenon, become especially interested in playing with the whole coconut after learning from experience that the inside of a coconut is a treat. Experimental methods used in trying to open the coconut provide an interesting time for medium sized and larger monkeys. The built-in rolling nature of the coconut is especially captivating for juvenile monkeys and roll and bang the coconut repeatedly. Brad and Trouble
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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 4 of 21]
Social Companions
Social companionship carries with it the intricate lesson of getting along with another creature, Monkeys learn the give and take social skills of a relationship best if they are offered social opportunity from a young age. Compatible social companionship helps prevent boredom and depression in primates.
Word of Caution:
If you interact with a monkey, be prepared to be bitten at some time. Children are especially likely to be bite victims.
Bath time can be fun and relaxing. Don't force monkeys into the water thereby causing unnecessary stress. Set an example and after a few observations capuchins, guenons and macaques are most likely to enter the water on their own. Lemurs and spider monkeys are more likely to wade than fully enter a tub or pool of water. Smaller monkeys may dabble their hands, drop small toys into the water or simple display fascination watching some else in the water. Even supervised monkey play is not recommended with children under ten years of age. Some primates have a strong fear of water and will prefer to avoid it.
Habitat
This clip shows the outdoor section of a lion tail macaque habitat. Spacious, walk-in, indoor, outdoor habitat is by far the best long term habitat for a well-adjusted monkey of any type. Even one raised as part of the family. The hand raised monkey when first introduced to the outdoors habitat will cling to its mother or surrogate mother figure and the growing monkey will prefer a social companion when venturing outside. The juvenile begin will grow into a grassy habitat combined with rocks, a concrete slab area, perches and swings. This type of habitat will give growing monkey a superb outlet for bursts of energy and play. Monkeys that grow up with an indoor/outdoor habitat learn to enjoy foraging behaviors as well. Brad and Trouble
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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 5 of 21]
Social Interaction
All monkeys have species specific behaviors. This older adult Mona guenon gives a warning yawn to the cameraman before soliciting grooming from a familiar family member. A caretaker must establish empathy and systematic verbal communication when attempting to raise and socialize a human bonded monkey. Opinions and misunderstandings on this subject abound. Caretakers interested in forming a bonded relationship with a monkey need to develop a friendship based on trust and shared time not on total domination. It is important to have give and take in the relationship and to consider a monkey's needs and desires whenever possible.
Monkeys such as this juvenile de Brazzo guenon don't always accept attempts to groom or pet and may say no with threatening facial expressions or gestures like hitting or biting. The best time to pet, scratch or otherwise groom a monkey is when invited. When a monkey says no stop and withdraw your attention.
Fire Hose
There are many ways to satisfy a monkeys love of motion. Space is required for swinging items like the hanging fire hoses in this bachelor capuchin's enclosure. The younger more playful of the two males enjoys the challenge to jump, roll, run and swing across this arboreal network. This type of large motor activity is good exercise and promote psychological well being.
Space to move
Nature designed a monkey limbs for movement. Space to move means more then space to stretch out in. It means space to move for natural distance in a continuous direction. As opposed to moving a short span reaching the end of a cage and pacing back and forth. This adult garnet bushbaby has space and branch work which allow a natural pattern of running climbing and leaping.
Depending on the monkey there are several way to offer space. The first is a large enclosure. The second is a long enclosed dog run attached to a monkeys cage. And the third is a regular daily time loose in a house that's tiled or easy to clean. Make sure that your house is monkey proofed. That all hazardous, toxic and breakable items are removed and that doors and windows are secured in a monkey proof faction. Brad and Trouble
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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 6 of 21]
Tunnel way
Small monkeys like this adult male squirrel monkey enjoy moving through small tunnels. Small bits of food can be left hidden inside the tunnel for the monkey to find.
Bags & boxes with treats
Bags and boxes with treats add interest to a monkey's day when you are out. This enrichment is easy to prepare and inexpensive. These capuchins enjoy the excitement of opening layered bags and boxes to find edibles inside. To make the adventure more rewarding sprinkle a few treats pumpkin seeds, raisons or fruit and vegetable wedges in each layer. For safety sake make sure bags or boxes are free of staples and tape and that your primate is not a paper eater. In a cage with more than one monkey consider offering each monkey his own treat bag especially if your monkeys are adults. Treat bags are an easy way to offer over head feeding. It slows down food procurement and will take your monkeys longer to finish eating their treats.
Backpack foraging
For this guenon and capuchin backpack foraging is another feeding method which helps alleviate boredom. These monkeys must work to procure each bit of food. As opposed to quickly eating it from a pile. A treat filled backpack is a great adventure for marmosets, dwarf bushbabies and tamarins who will disappear inside the pouches while foraging. This spot nose guenon has the added sport jumping to grab a backpack clipped to a bungee cord. Use a double snap lock to clip the backpack loop either to a cage wall or a bungee cord. The backpack unfastens easily for washing. This is unsuitable for some monkeys who will shed the backpack instead of foraging in it.
Special interactions
This adult female rhesus macaque can sometimes behave aggressively with humans. Grooming through cage wire is one way to allow a monkey to participate in this satisfying activity without taking the risk of coming into full contact. With the exception of some the smaller monkeys non human primates have a natural instinct for grooming. Female monkeys generally groom more than males. This grooming scene proceeded with aggressive hair pulling by the rhesus female not shown in this clip. And finished with more friendly grooming after the monkey calmed down again. Brad and Trouble

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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 7 of 21]
Pets
A monkey's social circle can be extended by interacting with compatible cats or dogs. This adult female white faced capuchin with reduced canine teeth adopted this cat as a kitten. Although she is protective and affectionate towards him she will also reprimand him occasionally with bites when he eats her food. For this reason it is not recommended to allow a monkey with canine teeth access to a cat or dog. Cats and dogs kept with monkeys must also be on a program of veterinarian care and cats kept free of toxoplasmoses.
Natural habitat
A natural habitat carefully moated or enclosed survives well with smaller monkeys such as owl monkeys, squirrels, dwarf busbbabies and marmosets. Preferably such an enclosure will be indoor/outdoor or built with a view into the house so monkeys can enjoy the sight of humans and visa versa. A temperature controlled green house is an excellent choice for cold weather areas. Monkeys have a natural instinct for foraging which will persist into adulthood. This can provide continuing stimulation to adult monkeys who may out grow their childhood toys.
Hiding Places
All monkeys like hiding places and occasional privacy.
Soft Spots
Monkeys seek soft spots to lay. One of the comforts of civilization
Primates in Pairs.
There are benefits and drawbacks to keeping primates in pairs. For the monkey having a compatible companion brings about the benefits of socialization, grooming and affection as well as the competition for food and attention from the caretaker and possibly aggression from the dominate monkey. Jealousy over the caretaker may or may not be a problem. Life is not perfect for a monkey in any situation. Monkeys in pairs may still get bored and ignore each other. One monkey will always be dominate over the other to some degree. Monkeys in pairs should have separate housing incase of aggression. This small older male capuchin is dominate over the female and will behave aggressively to hord food. He is playful but ignores her when she is in estrus. He does not reciprocate grooming yet she is extremely attached to him. As far as caretakers go, same species adults are more likely to join together in forming a coalition against a third party, another animal or a person. This often means teaming up to take aggressive action. One monkey often reinforces the fear or aggression of the other.
Keeping primates in pairs, however, presents a solution to the ignored or hard to handle single monkey. A former pet monkey can most likely be slowly transferred to a pair situation over time. Monkeys kept in pairs can be worked with as pets but as they mature most monkeys are best separated before interacting with especially medium to large sized monkeys who have full canines teeth.
The playfulness of this pair of primates is enhanced by a soft sand flooring. Sand is raked to clean it and a fresh top sand periodically added to help prevent disease. Although some of the odd species pairs seen in this video are different sizes, it is usually safer to form pairs out of same sized monkeys if possible. Brad and Trouble
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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 8 of 21]
Hiding Places
A hiding place is a place to snuggle and a lookout point. For arboreal monkeys like these Geoffroy's marmosets it can be a high place with a view. Its a place to feel secure, a home base, a place to get away from others or a place to snuggle with a partner.
Toy Play
Baby proof toys are great for monkey hands to manipulate. Monkeys will hold, sniff, taste, pound and possible chew their colorful toys. Monkeys with canine teeth should be observed to make sure they are not chewing and eating plastic. Bird toys made out of natural materials make great monkey toys also. Monkeys sometimes choose a favorite toy. If so its good idea to buy a duplicate so the original can be washed. Every monkey should have an object toy or a toy that can be carried around. Pieces of wood or seashells can possible substitute for plastic toys. Toys can be rotated for variety. Monkeys have security needs so don't rotate all familiar toys at once. One or two is sufficient. Don't rotate a toy at the peak of a monkey's interest. Wait until a monkey ignores it.
More Hammock Play
Monkeys in the wild take flying leaps only to land on a soft, leafy, springy tree bound. Many primates, large and small, can leap up to twenty feet if given the space and a soft spot to land. This beach towel hammock has metal key rings sewn into the corners. Use double snap locks found at the hardware store to fasten one end to the cage wall and the other end to a pair of hanging bungee cords.
Leafy Browse
Leaf eaters like this adult Vietnamese monkey are not the only monkeys in nature that feed on leafy browse. Monkeys usually prefer tender leaves which contain fiber and various trace elements. Browse can be hung in clumps in an indoor or outdoor area for monkeys to pick at. Try hanging a washed head of Roman or other lettuce, a bunch of parsley, peppermint, or a cluster of non toxic plant clippings.
Leafy Browse
Leafy browse can be offered in a jug, bag or box to an indoor monkey or as cage top feeding. The flowering Impatience plant is a favorite of this black spider monkey. Non toxic plants can be grown outside of a cage for monkeys to reach out and pull. Honeysuckle, thornless blackberry, orange trumpet and the purple snail bind are a few that some monkeys have enjoyed. Alfalfa, Timothy hay, bunches of herb or a variety of green lettuces can also be used as browse. Brad and Trouble
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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 9 of 21]
Paper Tubes With Treats
Paper tubes with treat is another easy, inexpensive way to add interest to a monkey's day. This is a great indoor or rainy day foraging idea too. Save paper tubes and offer several at one time. Cardboard tubes make great cage top feeding also.
Hand brush Grooming
Here is a one on one activity for monkeys raised as household pets. Such monkeys can sometimes be trained to accept brushing or combing. In addition to grooming these sessions will help keep fur clean for monkeys who don't like bathing. Hair brush grooming also relaxes monkey, is a bonding activity and makes a good addition to the daily routine.
Hay Foraging and Play
In this de Brazzo guenon enclosure an abundance of hay approximates a natural feeling on a concrete floor. Monkeys can pick at the hay plus is soft to run and play in. Food pieces can be scattered and hidden in the hay for all day foraging. Depending on the number of monkeys and the size of the cage rake the cage, change the hay and hose and sanitize the cage weekly. Spread fresh hay which cost about five dollars a bale.
Unwrapping Surprises
Partners
Backyard walk
Some toys can be turned into monkey feeders. This shape sorting toy is hung by a bungee cord for added interest. Adult monkeys like this male spot nose response best to toys that involves food. This monkey pouches a peanut and pulls out a green onion piece to eat.
Raising Offspring
The lives of non human primates can be greatly enriched by the care of offspring. It must be noted that not all captive monkeys are good parents and that keeping pairs or groups with offspring requires species specified education and vigilant monitoring. As adults mature they generally become more stoic and less playful. Having offspring seems to wake up the playfulness of some adult monkeys. Adults observed before and after the presents of offspring have notable more interesting lives. But females should not be over bred. A natural spacing of a years or so depending on the species should lapse between infants. Should be noted too that most offspring will have to be removed from the captive family group eventually to avoid dominance aggression and/or interbreeding. Brad annd Trouble

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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 10 of 21]
Rough Housing
In this clip you see an adult squirrel monkey wrestling with a human hand. The hand acts in effect as another monkey, a wrestling partner. Is rough house recommended or does it encourage aggression? There is no simple answer with monkeys. In some individuals it might promote aggression. This squirrel monkey is not a biter and uses his mouth without baring his teeth down while he plays. Were a monkey to bite during play the play session would need to end in order to avoid reinforcing the bite. How can the line be drawn between play and teasing? If the monkey feels bullied or aggravated to the point aggression even displaced aggression directed to someone else in the room the play is inappropriate. A monkey has social play needs especially when young. A substitute for hand wrestling is to use a thick furry hand puppet or to hold a stuffed toy in place as a mock wrestler.
Beware.....
There is more to monkeys than meets the eye.
We're full of surprises!
Monkeys may unexpectedly show affection, loyalty, playfulness or intelligence.
They may unexpectedly hug or kiss you lean against you, share activities with you, amaze and delight you.
Monkeys may unexpectedly hit, grab, pinch or kick you. They may unexpectedly pull your hair, bite, scratch, slap or chase you.
And don't forget....
Some of us grow big enough to over power you!
Tunnel Play
Monkeys are often hidden in the wild and enjoy playing in this six foot hiding tunnel. To construct this tunnel buy two rubbermaid rather heavy duty trash containers. Use a sharp knife to cut a circle out of the bottom of each can leaving a two inch rim so the bottoms can be bolted together. Use a drill to make several holes and insert bolts or wire ties. Cut a few lookout holes in the tunnel sides. Its ready for hanging by the handles. In mild weather these monkeys leave their warm box and use the tunnel as shelter from the rain. Brad and Trouble
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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 11 of 21]
Hidden Treats
This deBrazzo guenon was motivated to go searching in a suitcase where she had seen favorite fruits hidden. It is a curious monkey's nature to poke, pry and investigate. Bringing in novel items like this suitcase can add new interest to an otherwise old hat, static or boring cage environment.
A program of veterinary care may include:
1 A case history of your primate
2 Possible vaccinations for
tetanus
measles
rabies
3 Testing for
tuberculous
for macaque herpes b (negative results are inconclusive)
4 A yearly physical exam including
blood profile
fecal samples for parasites
fecal cultures for shigella and salmonella
5 Possible canine reduction
6 Plan for capture and restraint
7 Possible microchip for ID
8 Visits as needed for diagnoses and treatment for injuries or illness
Backyard Foraging On A Leash
Monkeys who are belt and leashed trained from an early age have the advantage of being able to walk and explore under the supervision in outdoor settings such as the backyard.
Natural Habitat -- The backyard "greenroom"
Here is another example of a workable way for the committed caretaker with one or two small monkeys. This 35 by 30 foot filtered light enclosure has a view into the house and includes a ten foot wide L-shaped sitting deck for monkeys and humans to share. These monkeys have learned to eat on the spacious deck and rarely carry food into the planted area. Well socialized monkeys feel safer with a habitat which allows them a view of their human moms or dads. Filtered light can be created with a variety of materials in order to accommodated various species and a overhead rain system has been installed here for added humidity. Well fed adult monkeys use to living in a large space are generally less destructive to plant life than mischievous juveniles. Brad and Trouble
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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 12 of ?]
A word about toxic plants....
When you have a monkey about the home and yard take samples of all plants to your garden center or county extension office for identification.......
There are many plants that can cause critical symptoms and even death. With outdoor monkeys watch for toadstools and toxic weeds.
Ideally you will offer a variety of produce to your monkey as an addition to a basic diet of primate chow. Primate chow should be checked for freshness and ideally used within three months of the date of manufacture. Precise dietary needs may vary in individual primates such as those under stress, primates with certain medical conditions, those who are pregnant, who lactating or aging. Offering a varied diet insures your primate will receive the more than 44 essential nutrients needed for optimal health. Produce contains many elements not contained in monkey chow such as a cancer fighting agent found in tomatoes and chlorophyl found in Remain and other dark greens. Offer a variety of tastes, colors and textures. A monkey whose taste buds have been spoiled by a high sugar, high fat, and high salt human snack foods is less likely to consume vegetables and a healthful diet.
Monkey chows have been historically formulated for laboratory primates and not for highly palatable taste. Try soaking chows in a beverage your monkey likes. Diluted formula, diluted fruit juice or even a 50% diluted fruit drink such as Sunny Delight. The captive monkey's appetite for healthful foods, chow and vegetables seem often spoiled by the feeding of sweet foods. If your monkey refuses chow and vegetables try gradually removing sweet foods from the diet including cookies, candy, grapes, dried fruit and bananas. Gradually over time your monkey will adjust to a better, more varied diet.
It should be noted that vitamin D found in human foods is not the same as vitamin D3 and is of no use to a monkey. Vitamin D3 is essential to a monkeys health and life and must be supplied to indoor monkeys not under Vital lights. Remember that Granola and nuts are high in fats and should be used sparingly. Use low fat dairy products and lean proteins. Offer grains that are high in fiber. Monkeys who eat a civilized human diet are most likely to suffer from human diseases as they age. Brad and Trouble
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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 13 of 21]
Hose Loop Swing
Here is a fun, easy to make swing. Cut a length of garden hose and a length of wire and you can complete this project in less than five minutes. (Shows putting wire about or thicker than the gauge of clothes hanger wire through the garden hose piece and twisting the ends that extend from the hose together with dyke pliers forming a hose loop.) If you add a double snap lock at the top the swing can be moved from time to time to different areas of monkey cage. Hose loop swings are easy to wash down. Large monkeys, however, who have not had their canine teeth reduced may destroy most enrichment items including these swings.
Soft places, backyard walk, plastic eggs with treats, neighbors grooming, swinging basket.
Sleep and Play Nest
Squirrel monkeys in particular naturally sit on their tails. Napping on a hard shelve can fur lose, tail sores or callousing. A knitted sleep and play nest can be made from a hat design or by sewing two knitted squares together. Two large pot holders or velour brush clothes sewn together will also make a comfortable nest. Small monkeys such as night monkeys, marmosets, dwarf bushbabies and also young capuchins and macaques will enjoy this nest. Hide small bits of dried food, seeds, whole flakes oat or barley, mealworms or a small toy in the nest for the monkey to discover during the day.
Unbreakable Mirror, sleeping together, social play, play toys
Sandbox
Access to sand offers an interesting tactile experience for monkeys who may grab, sift and even throw sand. (Shown an old tire with the middle filled with sand.) A cement mixing tub can also be used as a sand box or a little Tikes brand covered frog sand box. Bags of sterol sand can be purchased at most Depot and Toys R Us stores. For indoor monkey rooms use Miller's wheat bran purchased in bulk as substitute sand. Hide small treats in a tub of bran. It is edible and sweeps up more easily than sand at the end of the day. Brad and Trouble

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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 14 of 21]
A Stairway of Branches
A single perch is usually provided for a monkey but sometimes the obvious is overlooked. Its easy and inexpensive to offer several. Monkeys in the wild make use of layers of multiple branch work. Shows some of the ways an older capuchin shifts and postures himself to use his comfortable stairway of branches.
Remember monkey friendship..... also changes from one moment to the next.
The Walk-in Cage: Grooming
Again the act of being groomed for a monkey is a relaxing experience that promotes his or her psychological well-being. Time shared with a single monkey , one on one, is quality time. It promotes and strengthens the monkey human bond. Every monkey raised as part of the family or as a household pet would do best to have a walk-in cage from the beginning. For the committed caretaker the walk-in cage is a solution from many possible scenarios. The walk-in cage allows the primary caretaker the space to interact with monkey no matter what is going on in the human household.
The Walk-in Cage: Feeding
This clip shows a twelve year old boy feeding active two year old Vervet with guidance from an adult. Hand feeding is a shared activity that monkeys respond well to. Children require adult supervision with monkeys even when they are ten to twelve years or older.
The Walk-in Cage: Playing
For the human bonded monkey the walk-in cage works well for sharing monkey games like chase, hide and seek or tickle. Monkeys tend to be possessive of their space as they become juvenile or older. There maybe rules to follow when sharing space inside a monkey's cage such as not touching or moving toys or cage furniture. The appropriateness of playtime has to be gauged with each individual monkey. Hands on play as shown in this clip comes out of a trust based relationship. (Woman picking up, hugging, kissing and rubbing monkey.) Trust and bonding are maintained through daily contact and long periods of grooming. Trust and bonding can also be gained and maintained by sleeping or napping with your monkey. Again this monkey is not baring down with her teeth when she plays. True biting should be grounds for ending playtime. Brad and Trouble

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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 15 of 21]
Working For Treats
This is a simple idea to use with see-through film canisters. Use a piece of carrot or other hard vegetable to pug the end of a film canister that contains a few raises or mealworms. The sight of the treat is a motivator for monkey put it will take some time to get past the carrot. Again adult monkeys must be observed to make sure they don't consume the canister. (Maybe something similar could be devise using a see-through VCR case. I know Trouble is fascinated by VCR tapes if he is lucky to get a hold of one! :-)
Jug Foraging
Jug foraging can be use with any kind of monkey including macaques. Rinse and save plastic milk or juice jugs and use a knife to cut a hand sized hole in the side. A length of chain and a double snap lock make a easy setup for attach the jug to the outside of the cage. Jugs are hard to sterilize so simple replace them. Offer more than one jug to a group of monkeys.
Remember....
--where there's a monkey
--there is a mess
--we don't do cleanup. (Right Trouble?)
Cleaning House
Cleaning outside on a concrete slab is probably the easiest if you can construct indoor cages in panel form so they can be disassembled and taken outdoor periodically for a thorough cleaning. Let item stand fifteen minutes or so then spray on bleach or apply cleaners by hand. Cage wire can be cleaned with a wire brush to look like almost new. Use a pressure nozzle for the final rinse. Simple green is non-toxic but doesn't bleach out stains like the ones these play structures. Clorox bleach or Clorox cleanup have a high level of toxic fumes and should not be use in the vicinity of monkeys. Lisol spray is one great sanitizer to spray directly on for cleaning. Most cleaning products are toxic if ingested. Read all labels for information on toxic fumes. Finish your clean up with a pressure nozzle for an extra good rinse. Toys can be run through the dishwasher. Brad and Trouble

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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 16 of 21]
Big Furniture
This Little Tikes toy house can be purchased at a big store like Toys R Us. Little Tikes offers climbing structures with slides, a tree house desire, a merry-go-round, a picnic table with built in benches, wagons, large cars and more. These monkeys climb on top of and inside their playhouse. They prefer the taller 6 foot tree house not shown to the 3 foot play structure shown here. The octopus merry-go-round is great for active capuchins and macaques who will push and give themselves a ride. The plastic picnic table with the attached benches makes a workable monkey feeding, climbing and sitting table.
More Soft Places, Pumpkin Play, Harness Walking, Harness Wading
Napsacks
This knapsack brand small hammock has the advantage of being soft, comfortable yet easy to remove for machine washing. Napsacks come in several sizes and bits of dry food or small toys can be left in the Napsack as surprises for monkeys. Several types of monkeys have been observed using these little hammocks like a trampoline.
Mirror and Hammock Play
Watch the quality of play demonstrated by this two year old Vervet as she jumps in and out of her sheet hammock. Her movement are relaxed, spontaneous and even creative as she interact with the soft flexible play surface. Too often monkeys in captivity are surrounded by hard surfaces where they must continually gauge their movements so as not to injure themselves. Relaxed play requires a soft landing surface and ample space. It is best learned by young monkeys before the age of adulthood. A sheet hammock is best offered supervision and can be easily be tied into the corner of a cage.
And now a word....from our chef.
Wendy's Coollets Eggs
Bake 350 degrees 35 minutes
3 Eggs
1/4 cup lowfat milk
1/4 cup oat bran
1-1/2 cup chopped fruit and
1 Tablespoon honey
OR
1-1/2 cup chopped vegetables instead of fruit
Brad and Trouble


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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 17 of 21]
And now another word....from our chef.
Surprize Fiber Muffins
2 cups oat bran
1/3 cup rolled oats
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/3 cup honey
1 egg
3/4 cup extra lite milk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup cranberry sauce
Combine and Sift in cup of raisons and I.4 cup of unsaterated sunflower seeds
Bake 350 degrees for 20 minutes
High Protien Cookies
Blend
!/4 cup chopped prunes
1/4 cup water
2 eggs
1/3 cup of honey
1 tablespoon oil
Stir in
1 CUP ROLLED OATS
cup nonfat dry milk
cup oat bran
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Bake 350 degrees 10 - 12 minutes
Brad and Trouble

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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 18 of ?]
Garden Foraging
Here is an example of hand raised monkey's instinctive foraging behavior in and enclosed garden room. Again adult monkeys are generally less active than juveniles and often loose interest in many play objects. If properly socialized they continue to crave socializing. If properly acclimated to nature they continue foraging behavior which is linked to basic survival need of eating. These interest can help prevent boredom in the adult monkey.
Confetti Eggs
Baked confetti eggs or high fiber muffins, recipes shown earlier, either in muffin tins or in a round pan. Monkeys enjoy picking at the little vegetable pieces in the eggs or picking at the seeds in the muffins. Extras can be easily store in the refrigerator or freezer for future use.
Swing Play
This an example of an outdoor walk-in cage with a swing set. This adult female white faced capuchin enjoys spunky play and a push on the swing when she is in a playful mood.
And now another word about safety...
Be aware that ropes, cords and torn sheets can be strangulation hazards....
Supervise
Pool, tub and other water play too!
Its also unsafe to borrow someone's boat!
Jug Foraging With Aromatic Herbs
A plastic milk carton and a paper tube loaded with treats and aromatic herbs is easy to setup. Non human primates have a keen sense of smell particularly prosimians such as bushbabies and lemurs. The pungent smell of fresh herbs, peppermint or vegetables like spring onions add an interesting aroma as busy monkey hands extract pieces from the jug. A curious or hungry monkey will always raise to the occasion this disposable hands on feeder. Monkeys may demonstrate thier persistant nature when given such an item.
Some monkeys like hot water bottles to warm cold hands.
Brad and Trouble
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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 19 of 21]
Drinking....out of a cup
Stuffed toys....squeaky dog toys
On Summer nights outside play
Scrub brushes and arm brushing friends
Pine cone treats
For an all day feeder spread pine cones with peanut butter and roll in grapenuts and seeds. Pine cones can also be spread with apple sauce or fruit flavored yogurt then rolled in seeds or grapenuts and frozen. Picking out the treats requires concentration and keeps hungry monkey occupied.
Hand Feeding
Handing feeding is one form of attention that can serve to win the friendship of most monkeys even monkeys taken in as adults such as this female squirrel monkey. Set a favorite food aside which monkey receives only during hand feeding sessions.
More Hand Feeding
Hand feeding a pair of monkeys like these two adult male capuchins can be more difficult. Competition or fighting can occur. Reduce the competitive drive by hand feeding not on an empty stomach but only when monkeys have had a full meal. When getting to know a monkey initial hand feeding is a good measure of a monkeys personality. Every monkey is an individual and some monkeys are more excitable than others. The adult spider monkey shown in this clip remains calm during hand feeding. The zoo raised adult female capuchin shown in this clip is highly excitable and would rather bite than receive food. A monkey can become aggravated during a hand feeding session and strike out even through cage wire especially chain link.
Warning.......
Aberrant behavior, such as self-clasping, self-biting, fur plucking and other self mutilation, appears to occur most often in monkeys have been kept alone in very small housing, such as pet carriers, parrot or cat cages.
Once aberrant behaviors, such as self clasping, are established, they can remain even after circumstances have improved. Aberrant behaviors can also so be triggered by stress, truama, lack of mothering, isolation, lack of a bonding social relationship or by an undianosed medical problem. Brad and Trouble

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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 20 of 21]
A Word About Caretakers
Take is straight from the monkey's mouth!
A quality captive we requires a patient and empathetic caretaker....
One who can tolerate, understands and work with challenging emotions and/or aggressive behavior.
Backyard Walk-in Cage
Space to move and play
Shown in her backyard walk-in cage this adult female spider monkey likes sunning, grooming. social play, large motor activities and human attention. The size of the cage is about 35 by 35 feet. This is an excellent way to have a relationship spending time, playing or interacting with human bonded monkeys. Again you will see a less frustrating more natural flowing pattern of movement when any size monkey is acclimated to playing in a large area. The cost of a cage this size may run into several thousand dollars depending on materials even with your own labor added in. Compared this with the cost of your own housing and it seems quite reasonable. Budget your cage and set aside a certain amount monthly even if it takes several years save up. Large cages can be constructed one panel at a time as a long term project or build a smaller cage in panels and add more on later.
Hidden Plastic Eggs Filled With Treats
Plastic treat filled eggs work well as an item to be hidden in an inside or outside habitat. Small treat filled paper bags or cardboard boxes substitute for macaques or other monkeys that might eat the plastic eggs. As monkey become adults they have a tendency to become less interested in toy play. At the same time they will retain their interest in food foraging and interacting with plant life if acclimated to it.
Playing In A Cloth Bag
This quilted baby bag was installed with a dowel, eye screws and snap locks. A pillow case can be converted into a foraging bag by sewing two metal key rings into the top corners then using snap locks to connect them to the cage. Monkeys with reduced not pulled canines teeth are less likely to shred cloth or chew wood. Brad and Trouble
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Monkey Matters: The Video presented by The International Primate Association
Monkeys In Action: Enrichment and More [Part 21 of 21]
Here is a facts check list
Proper housing
A bonded social relationship
Object enrichment
A view
Varied nutritional diet
Forage feeding
Quality committed caretaker
Sanitary cleanup
Vet care program
Some monkeys make their own enrichment
Whether you consider your monkeys to be hands off wild animals, to be members of the family or to be household pets never underestimate the intelligence, the emotional nature or the resourcefulness of a monkey. Never underestimate a monkeys desire to participate in a hands on way with his or her environment. Remember that all monkeys are individuals and behave as such. Therefore it is difficult to make hard and fast rules that fit everyone. No matter what their behavior monkeys and their various life stages should always be treated with kindness tolerance and understanding.
This video is dedicate to the welbeing of all captive primates and to every caretaker who understands that monkeys deserve the most caring and enriched lifestyle the human world has to offer.
The End
It is not possible to cover all facts or points of view regarding captive primates in any single body of work.
For more information or to order this video contact:
Monkey Matters
PO Box 85152-MB181
San Diego CA 92186
Brad and Trouble

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Hi there,

Is this all one video? How much does this video cost? It sounds very informative!
My family is very seriously considering a monkey as a family addition.

We have talked about it for many years. (I guess we are just getting mature enough to handle it).

Since we have been considering it, we have been doing much research and homework on this.

I didn't read about the fabulousMonkey outting in Tarpon Springs & Miami until it was already over. This would have been a wonderful opportunity to meet primate lovers and learn much!!

We would love to join the next one and hope not to miss it's notice.

We live in the central Florida area. I have been searching for breaders (do not want to go through a pet shop) and haven't found any. We are still researching a suitable primate for our family addittion.

More research is needed, but so far it seams a Squirrel Monkey might be the best choice for us.

We are a family of five (three children-all girls-ages 12, 10 & 4 (and a Standard Poodle)).

I am very concerned about the strength of monkeys, their bite and diseases.

I certainly wouldn't want to put my children in any dangerous harms way.

I am trying to be very responsible and careful for the Primate and my family to make right choices.

It sounds like you have a lot of experience!!
If there is any thing you might inform us on we would be very thankful.

Thank you in advance,

Candy

CandyCo33@aol.com

(we've had a lot of experience with exotic birds (several types) all the way up to the Macaw. Yes, all night feedings to hand fed babies and the whole bit!)
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Is there a type of monkey called a Gibit? Please someone help me with this.. if not do you happen to know what one is.. Thanks..

Sam* fortj@hotmail.com

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