Capuchins, like other primates, can transmit certain diseases to humans, the most notable being hepatitis and rabies. Try to buy directly from a breeder rather than going through a broker. Ask to see the license or, if over the phone, ask for their federal number and look them up for validation. Capuchin monkeys are energetic exotic animals that require enrichment and an active lifestyle—often, when raised by humans, they rarely get enough stimulation. Aggressive behavior is typical in capuchin monkeys and can sometimes occur without prior tendencies. Do capuchin monkeys do better in their natural habitat than in a domesticated one?
In the wild, capuchins swing from tree to tree, something that most home enclosures don't permit. The American Veterinary Medical Association also discourages the use of primates in service, making it difficult to find an exotic vet to treat pet capuchins. Some trainers recommend removing all four canine teeth from the monkey to prevent serious bite injuries down the road. This practice is yet another debatable issue, and few veterinarians will perform the procedure. Keep in mind that the illegal exotic animal trade is a multibillion-dollar industry worldwide. It's also a good idea to check on the history and legitimacy of the breeder through which you choose to obtain your animal. We are proudly family owned and operated. It can be difficult to verify if a breeder or dealer is reputable, but it only takes a few minutes to confirm if your breeder is USDA-licensed. Due to various environmental and social needs, pet capuchin monkeys can be very difficult to care for. When purchasing a capuchin monkey, you need to find a reputable breeder, but even this can be a dilemma. Capuchin monkeys can cost anywhere from $5, 000 to $7, 000. Capuchin monkeys were trained as service animals until 2010, when the American Disabilities Act deemed them a danger to both owners and the public due to disease transmission and aggression.
Grooming your capuchin monkey can be a great opportunity for bonding and attention—in the wild, the monkeys will groom each other as a sign of affection and respect, so similar feelings can be fostered through owner-to-monkey grooming. Monkeys are also natural hosts of herpes B (or monkey B) virus, which can cause fatal encephalomyelitis in people. Mimicking this monkey's natural diet in captivity can be somewhat tricky. Every month or so, wash your monkey with a mild shampoo designated for human hair, being careful not to get soap in their eyes. The lack of natural habitat in a home setting raises much controversy regarding keeping these monkeys at all. When it comes to owning a capuchin monkey, there are many aspects to consider before committing to primate ownership. They may be adorable as babies, but as they get older, capuchin monkeys can get bored easily, which can lead to increasingly destructive behaviors. As of 2018, it is legal to own a pet capuchin monkey in North Carolina, Florida, Nevada, Ohio, Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, West Virginia, Indiana, Arkansas, Wyoming, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas. Part of the difficulty (and issue) with owning a capuchin monkey comes from training. Capuchin monkeys are often surrendered as pets because they have needs most humans don't have the skills or time to fill, making it more than likely that owning one is—in most instances—unethical. It is best to feed your monkey on a regular schedule twice per day.
By Ashley and Jason Duncan. Additionally, you should ask around for referrals from people who have used the same breeder. However, there are always exceptions, and if you are an owner who is enthusiastic about giving your pet capuchin monkey everything it needs to thrive, it may very well be happy in your home. The laws change all the time, and if you are considering getting a pet capuchin monkey, thoroughly research both your state and local laws. In the wild, capuchins usually stay with their mother for the first several years of their life. A year-long donation provides food, housing, and enrichment opportunities for the monkey of your choice, granting you a certificate of sponsorship, a photo, and access to a video link of the monkeys in their natural sanctuary. It may also try to escape its enclosure or misbehave—even throwing feces. Capuchin monkeys will need lots of physical—and mental—stimulation in order to thrive. Capuchin babies can form a tight bond with their human mother or father, may need to be bottle-fed for some time (if not forever), and will need to be trained to be a part of the family. Can you domesticate a capuchin monkey? You should feel comfortable asking a lot of questions about the animal, including its current care schedule and the breeder's assessment of the monkey's temperament. Pros & Cons of Keeping a Capuchin Monkey. They spend most of their waking hours searching for food, urinating to mark their territory, and hanging out in trees. A high-quality, formulated monkey chow provides the bulk of their nutritional needs, while ample outdoor space allows them to forage.
Captive capuchin monkeys are charming as babies and need to be cared for similarly as a human baby would. Even healthy and happy monkeys are curious, and a breakout is inevitable if they're given the time and an outlet. That exotic animal place in Kingsbury Texas. It's essential to know the history and parentage of the animal. Capuchins also thrive with the occasional cooked meat treat (about 1 teaspoon), but never give them table food, dairy products, or sweets, as this is not part of their natural diet and can lead to health problems. Capuchin monkeys will thrive in a jungle or sanctuary environment where they are free to explore and play. Most capuchin monkey owners use diapers for the monkey's entire life and keep them on leashes in and out of the house for both the safety of the monkey and the public. Scams abound online and offline, and it can be practically impossible to get your money back. Typically, there isn't nearly enough space or foliage safely enclosed in the average yard to allow the primate proper exercise. Is a state and federally licensed private zoo and professional zoological breeding facility proudly located in Kingsbury, Texas. A bored monkey may display aggression, biting its owner or someone else in order to get attention or garner interest. Like humans, your pet monkey should have regular blood screenings to monitor glucose and cholesterol levels closely. Can You Own a Pet Capuchin Monkey? What Do Capuchin Monkeys Eat and Drink?
Lifespan: An average of 15 to 25 years or up to 45. It's a good idea to try and touch base with others who have successfully cared for and owned a capuchin monkey in order to get their perspective. Capuchins can become infected with common human ailments since their immune systems are not as robust as ours. Save your passwords securely with your Google Account. It is recommended that you seek out a kind and patient trainer skilled in primates to help you with your capuchin, whether that's training them to be on a leash or if you're hoping they'll do tricks. Purchasing Your Capuchin Monkey. Monkeys live in the wild and are not often suitable pets, but if you are interested in owning a pet monkey or similar species, check out: Otherwise, check out other exotic animals that can be your new pet. Monkeys commonly develop latent, lifelong infections that can be transmitted to people via scratches and bites. Many pet capuchins develop diabetes due to improper nutrition. They are incredibly smart but also have their own ideas for how they want to learn (or not learn things), making it difficult to train them properly if you yourself are not trained and experienced in primate care. If monkey ownership is something you genuinely have your heart set on, and you realize it is difficult to obtain a monkey (or if around-the-clock care for a monkey is not doable for you), you can also look into monkey sponsorship.
Capuchin breeders take the babies from their mothers at an extremely young age—this practice helps the human owner form a tighter bond but can cause permanent emotional and psychological damage to both the mother and the baby.