Are you looking for a smaller monkey species? You might be interested in a common marmoset monkey (also known as a finger monkey). Marmosets are often called finger monkeys because they fit comfortably around your finger as babies. Adult marmosets can fit comfortably in your palm. However, the term finger monkey is frowned upon by primate owners because it implies unfamiliarity with the species.
The common marmoset is the most popular species. Pygmy marmosets, while smaller than the common marmoset, are not readily available to the general public. Common marmosets can be kept as pets, but they are among the smallest primates. They can also be fast and unpredictable. They need specialized attention and care. They can live for up to 15 years, so make sure you are ready for the long-term commitment.
Marmosets are smaller than capuchins, but they still need a large enclosure. No matter what enclosure you choose, it should be at least 6 feet tall. Marmosets, like all primates, require lots of attention. If you aren’t home during the day, you will need to purchase a companion marmoset. Do your research before you start looking for baby marmoset monkeys. Marmosets, unlike larger species, are more delicate and can be fatally harmed by cold sores.
Are Marmoset Monkeys Good Pets?
Because of their little stature, marmosets are one of the primate species that are kept as pets more often than other marmoset species. They are given the moniker “finger monkey” because of the ease with which people fall in love with them. Despite their size, the danger posed by their razor-sharp fangs should not be taken lightly. They are not as simple to educate as larger primates, such as capuchin monkeys, for example. However, as long as you spend enough time with them, you will be able to manage everything they throw at you. Even while it may be tempting to kiss them, you should avoid doing so since cold sores may be deadly for them. They are unquestionably more delicate than species of a bigger size. You can see more detailed benefits and drawbacks comparison HERE.
Although Geoffrey marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are less prevalent, common marmosets are still available for purchase. The most popular species is the common marmoset. Despite the fact that pygmy marmosets are smaller than their more common counterparts, they are not often kept as pets in private homes.
Even while it might be difficult to care for marmosets as pets, much like other primates, this does not make them any less desirable as companion animals. They behave extremely similar to humans in terms of how they handle and consume stuff, which distinguishes them from other species. They may be quite little, but they have extraordinary speed and dexterity for their size. They are able to swiftly hop from one branch to the next in order to keep themselves secure.
The marmoset monkey is not a good pet for everyone, and it should never be kept in a home with young children. They don’t get along very well with children. Be careful to complete your homework before bringing a marmoset into your home since, as they become older, their behavior might potentially grow more problematic.
Do Marmoset Monkeys Bite?
There are many species of monkeys that may bite, including marmosets. Even though they are one of the smallest types of monkeys, their teeth are nevertheless quite pointed and pointedly sharp. It is essential that you provide excellent care for your marmoset monkey if you want to develop a solid relationship with it.
In the wild, marmoset monkeys congregate together in big groups. Holding an alpha status will shield you from harm, despite the fact that people at the top of the food chain may on occasion face opposition.
Over time, you will acquire the knowledge necessary to comprehend the actions of your marmoset. Because of this, it is highly recommended that first-time owners start out with a young marmoset. The older your marmoset gets, the more difficult it will be for them to interact with people they do not know. It is recommended to minimize contact with strangers, particularly marmosets, in order to reduce the risk of contracting cold sores, which may be deadly.
Can You Keep A Marmoset For A Pet Monkey?
Find out whether marmosets are permitted in the region where you live if you want to avoid having your monkey taken away from you.
The ownership of primates is governed by legislation and guidelines in several places. In several states, owning a primate is against the law. The possession of solely new-world monkeys such as marmosets is prohibited in several states and municipalities. You may get further information from the USDA about whether or not marmoset monkeys for sale are permitted in your state by calling them.
After you have determined that it is not against the law to maintain a marmoset mongrel monkey in your state, the next step is to investigate whether or not your county has any regulations regarding the ownership of primates.
You have an obligation to investigate whether or not your county and city place any limitations on the possession of primates. It is possible that keeping primates as pets is legal in your state; but, if you reside inside the city borders of your home’s community, it is often against the law to have a marmoset monkey there. If you reside in a city and are interested in learning about the rules governing primate ownership, you may get in touch with your local clerk.
What Do Marmosets Eat in the Wild?
The marmosets that are available for purchase will consume nearly anything. In the wild, they are able to congregate in huge groups of up to 30 individuals and subsist on a diet consisting of flowers, insects, sap/gum, fruits, and various kinds of tiny invertebrates such as snails and frogs.
What Do Pet Marmosets Eat?
You should feed pet marmosets bananas, carrots, cooked lean meats (like chicken), yogurt, insects (including crickets, mealworms, and grasshoppers), monkey biscuits, or a diet designed specifically for marmosets.
Your marmosets need to have access to the outdoors at all times. In the event that they do not, it is vital that they take vitamin D3 pills. This is essential for the development of their skeletal structure. Many people who own marmosets choose to use full-spectrum illumination as a means of protecting their pets against metabolic bone disease.
In the same manner as other primates, marmoset monkeys should never be without access to clean water.
Marmosets consume the gum as a food source. Marmosets may get gum from trees by using their pointed teeth to nibble on the bark of the tree. It is very necessary to provide them access to the branches. They will devote around one third of their time to doing this task. There is also a powdered version of Arabic and acacia gum that may be purchased. It may be made into a paste by combining it with 70 percent water and 30 percent gum, and then using that paste to fill the holes in a branch that has already been drilled. This is the most effective technique to improve the lives of your wild marmosets.
Are Cold Sores Dangerous For Marmosets?
Primate owners often discuss Herpes Simplex when referring to the “Kiss of Death.” The herpes simplex virus type 1, which causes cold sores and is also known as Herpes Simplex, is the most common cause of mortality in marmosets and other tamarins. There is currently no therapy that is effective. It’s possible that old-world monkeys have sensitivities to the virus that are comparable to ours, but the virus may be lethal for marmosets and owls and other smaller, more recent primates.
The fact that the majority of human adults are carriers is largely unknown to the general public. Even if the virus is latent, it is still capable of being passed on. It is a sickness that, if contracted, poses a significant risk to one’s life. You are still at risk of infecting your marmosets and tamarins, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms and the virus seems to be in a latent state.
Shedding is caused by the fluid that comes from fever blisters and saliva. You shouldn’t give your marmosets kisses, and you shouldn’t let them feed on your lips.
If you have a suspicion that your tamarin or marmoset has Herpes Simplex, you should rush your animal to the nearest veterinary clinic as soon as possible. A lack of appetite, abrupt convulsions, and ulcers on the skin, mouth, or tongue are all symptoms that may be associated with an infection. Within one to four days, the vast majority of patients will pass away (on average). They may be treated with aciclovir via the use of marmosets or tamarins. It seems that they are able to live for around twenty days.
Avoid touching your mouth at all costs; the pain may be terrible.
Should You Buy Baby Marmoset Monkeys From A Broker Or Breeder?
Good breeders treat their Marmoset monkeys with nothing but LOVE and will only want the monkeys to go to good homes. You can expect the monkeys from good breeders to be diaper trained, leash trained, and very loving. They might even be raised at a home with dogs, and cats so if you own a dog or cat it will not be a problem. The monkeys may even come with starter kits including bottles, diapers, formula, baby blankets & toys. Also, the babies should be vet checked and come with all paper work including health certificates.
There are many individuals who choose to purchase newborn marmosets directly from breeders; however, this choice is contingent on the dependability of the broker or breeder. Before you buy a monkey, you should talk to existing owners and find out what kind of experiences they’ve had with the breeder or broker.
Check to verify that your young marmoset monkey came from a USDA-approved dealer before bringing it home. When selling primates in the United States, you are obliged to get a license that is valid from the USDA. This covers costs associated with rehoming animals.
Monkey Breeder Problems and Solutions
Breeders will always exist; no one can alter that! Man has lived with pets, including exotics, since the dawn of time. Since there are breeders and no one is going to stop them, why not focus more on the conduct of breeders and the individuals who buy their animals? Do they actually care about the monkeys they produce, do they put them in appropriate homes, and do they inform people about the primates they place before selling them? Is it money or earning a reputation for themselves that they care about, or is it the welfare of the animal? Do the folks buying the animal understand how to care for that species, can they afford the vet care and housing needs, and why are they buying this sort of animal?
Because people will always buy primates, no matter what anybody says, should I focus on educating current and prospective owners? That is a purpose I established for myself: to help monkey owners and educate future primate owners. I attempt to answer people’s questions regarding all elements of primate ownership, and if I can’t, I refer them to someone who can, either via experience or knowledge.
What Does It Cost To Buy A Marmoset Monkey?
There is often a price range of one thousand dollars to four thousand five hundred dollars for young marmoset monkeys, depending on the breed. Marmosets that were hand-raised will have a higher price tag than those who were raised by their parents. Marmosets that were reared by their parents are more challenging to handle from the moment they are born. Advertisements seen online that claim to provide a reduced price is most likely fraudulent. We do not advise novice monkey owners to purchase an older marmoset as their first primate pet because of the inherent risks involved.
Breeders of monkeys sometimes ask for a down payment, but you should always provide documentation. Before you buy a marmoset, check to see whether the breeder or broker selling it to you has a license issued by the USDA. Without a valid USDA license, it is against the law to sell primates in the United States. This con is successful with many first-time property buyers. Be careful to ask for documentation of the USDA license before you hand over any money. Marmoset monkeys should always be picked up by their new owners at the facilities of the primate broker or breeder so that the new owners may see how the monkeys are handled. Make sure that the person who is going to transport your marmoset monkey has all of the necessary permits before handing them over.
Despite their little size, marmoset monkeys need a great deal of attention and care. There are ongoing costs associated with the care of marmoset monkeys, which include the costs of their enclosure, enrichment and toys, veterinary visits, and food, which consists of fresh vegetables, fruits, and commercial primate biscuits. The initial cost of purchasing a marmoset monkey is a significant financial commitment. You will need to budget roughly $3.00 each day to cover the cost of their meals.
During the first half-year together, you may anticipate that they will get linked to you. If you work during the day, it is strongly advised that you purchase them a buddy to keep them company while you are gone.
The lifespan of a marmoset monkey may reach up to 15 years. Because of this, it is essential to investigate your alternatives in order to verify that you are prepared to take on this job.