Where to buy finger monkeys

They are also illegal in approximately 20 US states. There are lots of things to consider. With any luck, by the time you finish reading this, you will have a pretty good idea of whether or not owning a pygmy marmoset is the best decision for you, and for the marmosets themselves.

This is a good place to start. But double check before you buy! Laws change all the time. Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Arizona, Indiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee : special permits are required to keep any type of primate or other type of wild or potentially dangerous animal.

Apply for your permit from the state Department of Agriculture. Note: simply applying for a permit does not guarantee you will be granted one! Also, many of these states have partial bans, so you might get stuck at a policy level before even making an application.

Does your state appear on either of these lists? Note, however, that you might still need official permits and licenses to own a primate. Some states devolve responsibility to the individual county or municipality authorities.

North Carolina is an example of a state in which there is no statewide ban, but where decisions are made on a county level. Many states have introduced cover-all bans on primates, no matter the circumstances or how many times you make an appeal.

In these states, the only people who can legally keep primates or any other type of wild animal are those running sanctuaries or educational animal exhibits.

Even then, there are extensive criteria which need to be met. So if you live in any of these states, consider settling for a cat. Pygmy marmosets have a host of impressive talents, from rotating their heads all the round to jumping many times their own height—further than many monkeys larger than them!

Here is an introduction to some of those behaviors. Owls, step aside. Pygmy marmosets can jump to a height that cannot easily be covered by other breeds of monkeys, even those much larger than the pygmy monkey. How high, exactly? Nearly 15 feet! The adult finger monkey usually reaches a total head-body length of 4. Their tails can grow up to 6. Pygmy marmosets have a high mortality rate. Hold on tight, baby monkeys! Finger monkeys, especially the males, tend to be aggressive when they reach adulthood.

Take care when handling adult male finger monkeys. They are unlikely to be able to physically hurt you, but the shock of a nip might lead to a reflex action. Given their small size and delicate bone structure, you could easily do quite a lot of damage to a pygmy marmoset without even meaning to!

Aside from that, be prepared to handle your pygmy marmoset frequently. As highly social animals, they require a lot of social stimulation and interaction, either from members of their posse, or you! Finger monkeys are highly social animals.

A model troop consists of 6 monkeys. So if you are thinking of adoption 1 finger monkey, think again!

Take them on in pairs or groups of more than 2! This will take the pressure off you, and increase the likelihood of your pygmy marmoset settling into its new captive environment without a hitch.

Finger monkeys are physically active, too. They are avid and able climbers, and as such need vertical space in their enclosure. They also require a lot of sunlight — the most important vitamins in a pygmy marmoset diet as C and D3. These vitamins are essential for the health of a finger monkey more on diet below.

To provide D3, that means lots of sun, or a UV light. Note on ill health: finger monkeys are prone to several diseases and viruses, much like humans. Maintain excellent cage hygiene by cleaning it thoroughly and frequently, and be mindful of any unusual behavior.

Report strange movements to your registered veterinarian doctor immediately. Take your marmoset to be checked if problems persist. Pygmy marmosets are not like dogs — they do not make great emotional support animals. Marmosets are prone to various diseases, and a new virus carried into their cage on some bark could be deadly. To avoid the risk, buy from a registered and reputable pet supply store. They provide opportunities for play and varied social interaction.

To keep your marmosets on their toes, swap out one branch for another, or rearrange the items in the enclosure. There are whole host of exciting objects available at most pet supply stores — hide boxes, swings, ladders and platforms. Mix these in with your real or artificial plants to liven things up for your pygmy marmoset s. A recent trend with exotic pet owners is the finger monkey, native to countries including Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru.

As the name implies, these adorable animals are true monkeys. Their official name is the pygmy marmoset. Like other marmosets, they live high in the treetops of South American rainforests. All marmosets are relatively small, but the pygmy grows no longer than 4. Females tend to be slightly larger than males, weighing just over 4 ounces on average. Baby pygmy marmosets are tiny enough to cling to your finger, much like other monkeys cling to tree branches; hence the nickname.

They are also sometimes referred to as thumb monkeys, pocket monkeys and little lions, the latter due to the fur that surrounds their heads like a mane. Although not considered an endangered species, finger monkeys do face habitat destruction. Their adaptability to new environments may keep them off the endangered list. Finger monkeys are social creatures that, in the wild, live in small groups generally made up of an adult male, adult female, and their offspring.

The groups range from as few as two to as many as nine or ten individuals. Females can give birth twice a year and normally produce twins each time, although single or triple births do occur.

The males carry and care for the newborns for the first two weeks of life. While the species tends to be monogamous, groups may feature an additional male for assistance in newborn care. Juvenile finger monkeys also contribute to the care of babies. In nature, finger monkeys average a year lifespan.

In captivity, that range spikes to years. Research suggests as few as one-fourth of all babies born in the wild make it to maturity, with most succumbing to falls from trees or from the group member carrying them. These tiny creatures have long, sharp nails that resemble claws more than the flat nails of other primates. These allow them to support themselves vertically on trees while using their long, narrow teeth to feed on sap. Finger monkeys also consume the resin, gum, and vines of trees. Small insects, butterflies, spiders, and fruit round out their diet.

They can rotate their heads up to degrees to scan for danger and leap up to 16 feet to escape it. As with any animals, fresh water needs to be provided at all times for your pet monkey.

Some states require permits from United States Department of Agriculture, USDA, which will also have regulations as to the required caging size and materials it is to be made out of. Please do check with your state before acquiring a monkey so you can make sure to comply with their regulations.

Otherwise as with any pet you may buy, the bigger the caging the better for the animal. Having an outdoor enclosed area along with an indoor cage is ideal to have for a monkey. It will allow the monkey to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the elements. These are intelligent animals and will need many toys to keep their mind busy.

But do make sure the toys that are safe for your pet to interact with when you can supervise and when you cannot watch over your monkey. Are Polar Bears Kept as Pets? Caring for and Buying Pet Baby Otters.

Can Fossas Be Pets? Sables as Pets. Concerns to think about before purchasing a finger monkey for a pet. Diet for pet Marmoset Finger Monkeys There is available a commercial complete diet for monkeys that you can buy through your local feed store. Comments palma stewart on September I have spent a lifetime wanting to care for a monkey ai am retired and possibly looking for 2 as a pair.

We live on a small farm tyoe home and I am very excited to finally add these monkeys to our family. For us this is a lifr time commutment. William nairn on May Lisa hartley on April 5. I am interested in a capuchin monkey. Could u tell me a price that reasonable. P l ease. It would be going to a great home and given lots of love.

Destiny Garcia on March 5. Donna Tyree on February Hi, within this year, probably April, I would like to have a finger Monkey. I would like to get one for 4, Adopting is a possibilty. Is any of this possible?