Pet Capuchin Monkey Questions

I have 2 squirrel monkeys and my mother in law has 3 capuchins. They do require A LOT of work, so make sure you have done the proper research before getting one. Visit www.PetMonkeyInfo.com for more detailed information on life with a pet monkey and their care. The need 24 hour companionship, specialized diets, and enrichment, in order to be happy. They are a LIFETIME Commitment and will bond to you and your family.

1. What you can do to your pet capuchins depends on you as the owner and how much time you spend with them. Some monkeys will let you clip their nails while others won’t. I believe it is more of a character specific issue, than a breed specific issue. I can diaper, bathe, etc my monkeys but they won’t let me clip their nails. I do know other capuchin monkey owners who are able to clip their nails. I believe they use regular nail clippers, but are just extra careful not to clip to close to the skin.

2. I bathe mine about once a 3-4 weeks, unless they get dirty before that. BUT as babies you will have to bathe them much more often (about every other day or so) to get them accustomed to you bathing them. I use infant shampoos that are hypoallergenic and don’t irritate eyes. As babies, since you are bathing them often I would use oly warm water on some days adn shampo on others.

3. They require monkey chow specially made for New World Monkeys, and a variety of fruits and veggies. Mine eat soaked biscuits, carrots, peanuts, grapes, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, apples…

4. Visit the vet as soon as the monkey is acquired for all shots (rabies, tetanus, rubela…) and tests, tuberculosis and overall health. After that about once a year for vaccine updates and general checkups.

5. If you have no experience as a baby. Usually at 1 month they are given to owners. BUT please remember to do your RESEARCH. Monkeys are not like having a dog. It can be the best experience of your life or the worst. It all depends on how you educate yourself. Visit my site so that you can see what it really takes,a dn determine if ownership is right for you. www.PetMonkeyInfo.com

Capuchin Monkeys are diurnal and arboreal animals. These are very intelligent monkeys that are common as pets, trained performers, and therapy animals. Capuchin Monkeys are numerous in captivity in the USA and Europe. Organ grinders have used these animals for decades.

Young Capuchin are very cute and cuddly, however most behavioral problems occur when a juvenile Capuchin reaches sexual maturity. They can become very strong and aggressive. Males grow large, dangerous canines. Pet owners can be severely injured from bites. Many pet owners pull out the canines in order to make their pet more “manageable.”

Capuchin have a complex diet. Most pet owners will not be able to provide their Capuchin with the proper nutrition for a healthful life.

Most local veterinarians are not trained to take care of exotic pets like Capuchin monkeys and frequently deny service to owners of these type of pets.

Capuchin are long lived animals. With proper care and nutrition, they can live over 40 years in captivity.

Capuchin and other nonhuman primates may carry diseases and parasites that can be transmitted to humans.

Check out this site for more information: http://www.emory.edu/LIVING_LINKS/capuchins/Pet%20Trade.htm