There are challenges to owning a pet monkey.One of the biggest commitments you'll ever make is caring for a monkey.If you're the kind of person who can accommodate a pet monkey, you need to research what type is best for you.Prepare to spend a lot of time playing with your monkey and give him a strong cage with lots of toys.If you want to learn more about what it takes to share your home with a pet monkey, see Step 1.
Step 1: There are monkey species.
The New World and Old World primate families are divided into smaller, tree-dwelling monkeys from South America.Different types of monkeys have different characteristics that affect how they fare as pets.Before you make a decision on which type to get, conduct a lot of research.You can read books, talk to owners, and get to know monkeys in person.Squirrel monkeys, capuchins, spiders, and macaques are all types of monkeys that people keep as pets.Some are more social than others.Smaller monkeys need more space than larger ones, but they have the same general care requirements.Chimpanzees, gibbons and orangutans should not be kept as pets.They can become very dangerous in a domestic situation.
Step 2: Prepare for a big commitment.
It is almost as much a commitment to bring a monkey into your home as it is to have a child.Unlike cats and dogs, monkeys cannot be left at home for long periods of time.If you try to leave your monkey alone, he will become bored, depressed and aggressive, and he'll want to follow you wherever you go.Monkeys can live for 20 to 40 years, so bringing one home is a commitment to spend a significant portion of your life providing for your monkey's needs.The life with a monkey may become aggressive if you decide to get a pet.Like baby humans, monkeys are dependent and sweet when they are babies.Their behavior can become unpredictable when they reach sexual maturity.Humans have not socialized monkeys to live with them over thousands of years.A monkey that bonds with a human as a baby may bite his owner or become difficult to live with as an adult.It's time to say goodbye to your free time.Monkeys can't be left to their own devices.If they don't get constant attention and care, they can end up hurting themselves or someone else.It's hard to find a good monkey-sitter when you need some time to yourself.If you have a monkey, you may not be able to have relationships you want.People tend to bond with monkeys.If you have a monkey, you won't be able to get involved with potential partners to whom the monkey has a negative reaction.If you want to have a family, you need to know that monkeys don't get along well with children.If you are one of the unique people with the temperament and discipline it takes to devote your life to the safety and care of your monkey, you may be rewarded with an amazing experience.Monkeys are incredibly affectionate and intelligent.Many people who share their lives with monkeys embrace the challenges and wouldn't trade their time with their pets for anything.
Step 3: It's possible to own a monkey in your location.
It is illegal to have a pet monkey in a lot of locations, and more locations will probably pass laws against the practice in the future.It's difficult to move to a new location or travel across state lines when you own a monkey.You can't bring a monkey into the US if you want to travel abroad with him, and then bring him home.Some US states allow monkeys to be kept as pets, but have strict regulations as to the conditions under which the monkeys should be contained.There are different regulations for pet monkeys in other countries.If there are any restrictions on which animals you can keep as pets, look into the laws in your jurisdiction.
Step 4: A dealer or breeder has an excellent reputation.
When you've decided that it's time to get a monkey, do research in your area to find a dealer or breeder with an established reputation as someone who can be trusted.All breeders in the United States need a USDA permit number.Ask the dealer or breeder if someone else has bought a monkey from them.It is possible to check into the monkey's health and behavior.You can expect to pay a lot of money for a monkey.A baby squirrel monkey can cost thousands of dollars.Older monkeys are more difficult to handle than younger ones.Before you buy a monkey, make sure you have a connection with the primate and can see yourself living with it.Don't buy a monkey from outside the country.It's against the law to ship a monkey from outside the United States.
Step 5: An exotic animals doctor is nearby.
Establishing a relationship with an exotic animals vet is important before you bring a monkey home.A regular vet won't be able to care for a monkey.You can expect your monkey to get sick from time to time because they are prone to catching some of the same illnesses that humans do.When you have questions about your monkey's needs or behavioral issues, an exotic animals vet is a good resource.
Step 6: A monkey cage can be built or bought.
Your pet monkey needs a place to stay at night and during times when you aren't available to play.The bigger the cage, the better.If Monkeys are going to spend more than an hour or two at a time in the cage, they need plenty of room to run around, explore and play.The monkey will become agitated and aggressive if the cage is too small.Many owners prefer to build their own monkey cage so they can personalize it to their liking.Good materials for monkey cages are wooden or steel poles.If you want to build an outdoor monkey cage, you can attach it to a heated outdoor shed that will provide shelter for the monkey.The dimensions, entryways and locks on monkey cages are regulated by your state.Depending on what type of monkey you own the regulations can be different.A cage with a lot of height is what monkeys like to climb.Your monkey will be able to climb around the cage if you add branches, hanging ropes, and other features.
Step 7: Monkeyproof your house.
Most monkeys are allowed to spend time around the house rather than in their cages.You need to take the time to remove items that could cause harm or suffer damage because monkeys are curious and intelligent creatures that will get into everything available to them.Monkey-proofing will have to be more extensive since monkeys can climb.Don't allow monkeys to have access to a cord.Make sure they don't have access to electronics.They will destroy curtains, knock over lamps and chew on furniture.If you don't want them to destroy, put them away.The monkeys are allowed to play in one or two designated "monkey rooms" that are off-limits to the rest of the house.If you're going to let the monkey stay there without supervision, you need to make sure the room is as secure as a cage would be, with locks and bars on the windows.
Step 8: The monkey's space needs to be kept clean.
Monkeys leave a mess wherever they go.They excrete whenever and wherever they please.Once the monkeys mature, it's not usually possible to put diaper on baby monkeys.To maintain sanitary conditions in the cage and in your home, you should plan on cleaning up after your monkey at least once a day.
Step 9: Clean water bottles are provided every day.
Monkeys should always have access to fresh water.Baby bottles can be used for this purpose.Some monkeys prefer to take their water from a dish, while others like to have both options.If you give the water, make sure the monkey doesn't run out.
Step 10: He should be fed monkey biscuits, fruits and vegetables.
Monkey biscuits should be fed to your monkey every day.These biscuits have the right amount of vitamins and minerals to meet your monkey's needs.Monkey biscuits are one of the things monkeys enjoy.You can also give your monkeys, mealworms, cooked chicken, hard boiled eggs, yogurt, rice, grain and nuts.Don't feed your monkey anything that is considered junk food.Sugary treats, ice cream, baked goods, snack foods, fast food, and raw meat should not be fed to a monkey.Extra vitamins may be needed for the type of monkey you have.The lack of sun exposure may affect the amount of vitamins in the Monkeys.
Step 11: The monkey needs lots of toys and stimulation.
Monkeys need a lot of stimulation in order to be happy.They spend most of their time in the wild looking for food.Provide lots of interesting things for the monkey to play with and pull apart to recreate that experience in your monkey's cage and around the house.The monkey can reach into a container with small holes if it's hidden inside a box.The monkey is trying to figure out how to get to the food.Give the monkey stuffed animals, balls, and other toys to play with.The monkey won't get bored if the toys are switched out frequently.
Step 12: Every day, play with the monkey.
When Monkeys are left alone for a long period of time they become very unhappy.It's a good idea to spend a few hours playing with your monkey.He'll trust you enough to climb up your body and give you hugs or kisses as you bond with your monkey.Less social time is needed if you have more than one monkey.Many monkeys are happy living together.They'll live in the same cage if you can afford more than one.
Step 13: Don't punish a monkey.
Hitting or yelling at a monkey will make him afraid of you.It's useless if you want to control your monkey.monkeys are wild and can't be trained to do what you want them to.You might not like some of the behaviors they exhibit.Punishing them will hurt your relationship.The best way to deal with negative behaviors is to make sure the monkey has something to be content with.Does he get enough stimulation every day?Is he getting enough exercise?Are you playing too much with him?Monkeys can bite from time to time.You can't deal with this by punishing the monkey.When he might be in the mood to bite, leave him alone and get to know his moods.
Step 14: Don't let the monkey play with people.
It's not a good idea to take your monkey out in public or invite people to play with him.Monkeys are not predictable.If there is an accident, your monkey can be taken away.An animal control officer has the right to take your monkey to a hospital if he scratches someone.Exotic animals are euthanized when they are seized because there is no law requiring a period of sterilization.If you have to leave the monkey in someone else's care, make sure the person is familiar with the animal and has come to trust it.Leaving the monkey with a stranger could be dangerous for him.
Step 15: Communication with your monkey is fun.
When you feed him or give him a toy, say his name.Give him a treat and praise him when he responds.Show him how to act.If you say "dance," start dancing.Give him treats and praise when he learns a trick.