Most Common Types of Pet Monkeys
Keeping a pet monkey can be quite challenging, and it can require decades of constant care. Making special foods and changing diapers are just a couple things you will have to do regularly when caring for primates. When considering a pet monkey, you will need to determine which type of monkey is right for you. The following are the most common types of pet monkeys:
Capuchin
The Capuchin is a little primate that you often see in movies and television. It is famous for its small size and mischievous nature.
This type of pet monkey is highly intelligent, territorial, and will live up to years in captivity. On average, the Capuchin can live for 40 years or more.
Chimpanzees
The Chimpanzee is the largest type of primate you might find as a pet and it is not actually a monkey. They are considered apes. You will also commonly see Chimpanzees in movies and on television.
These primates are large and strong, and males are particularly are very aggressive. In addition, the Chimpanzee can live for 60 years and more.
Macaques
Macaques are smaller primates that can live up to 30 years. This type of pet monkey needs a large, secure cage, so they don’t get lost in your house or run outside and climb poles and other fixtures.
While Macaques are smaller, they still require extremely large enclosures, at least 30 feet square.
Tamarins
Tamarins weigh less than a pound but will live about 15 years in captivity.
These primates require very secure cages with tiny bar spacing, as they can escape or get stuck in the bars.
Marmosets
Marmosets are similar to the Tamarins in size and housing requirements.
This type of pet monkey is quick and can live up to 20 years.
Guenons
Guenons weigh about 10 pounds and can live about 25 years in captivity. Similar to all primates, they are very high maintenance.
This type of pet monkey requires lots of attention. The dispositions of adult Guenons can be unpredictable, sometimes bordering on aggressive, especially if mistreated.
These are the most common types of pet monkeys. All Pets provides monkey veterinary care services in Bryan/College Station, TX. Contact us with the link below for more information!
