does anyone have expierence caring for a marmoset or capuchin monkey??

[wolftracks]

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YEP!!!

 

[redhen]

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OOh dear.. maybe no monkey for me. The zoo will work just fine.

 

[abluechipstock]

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[equine623]

Yup I've cared for several species of non human primates. My advice? DON'T get one. It isn't fair to the animal. There are very few people who can properly care for most wild animals and NHP are some of the hardest animals to take proper care of. I've seen a marmoset who literally chewed his tail off in small sections and routinely picked the skin off his *manly parts* because of the situation he was in. They have precise dietary needs and are highly social, requiring not just time and attention but the right social relationships in order to thrive.

And NHP primates can carry diseases that will kill humans, even if they are asymptomatic.

And I know there are people who will come back with stories of so and so who had a monkey and everything was fine. Sometimes, dumb luck wins out. But why take the chance?

 

[chickenwhisperer]

A few years ago, after being on a waiting list for 2 yrs, a pet store in Reno finally called and told me when I could go pick up my baby monkey.
When I finally got there, I was talkin with the guy, and thank god he was honest and told me the truth about owning a monkey.

These are the words that really stuck, and helped me decide not to buy the monkey . . .

"Owning a monkey is like having a 2.5 yr old child, for the next 30 yrs"


I went home with a hedgehog instead

 

[Turkeyrangler]

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Made me laugh so hard I almost wet myself....

Kinda reminded me of my first marriage....

...

 

[Lifesong Farm]

I did my Vet Tech internship with an exotics vet who saw primates. I am glad I was current on my TB shot because we had a rescuer bring in 5 nasty little things and 1 was strongly pos. For TB. I had 2 up close and personal experiences with primates and they are nasty, disgusting and revolting creatures. I would rather go wade through a hog pen on a 100 dgree day than get that close to one again.

Now don't get me wrong they are neat creatures in their natural setting but not as pets.

 

[lemurchaser]

I've worked with marmosets and tamarins for years. Having worked with them, I would never own one. First of all they should be housed in pairs, nothing less. They are social living animals and should not be kept isolated. They are not even remotely clean and have a fairly strong smell. Sure they are cute, but they aren't good pets. I loved it when they would reach out and grab me or groom my hair... until I realized they had just had poop in their hand or had been picking at their genitals. They require a lot of care, especially mental stimulation and meal preparation, and ideally lots of space. Many places also require permits to have them.