Considering Bringing a Monkey into your Home

Monkeys are not for everyone please take the time to research and read before you buy.

Primates are one of the most attractive animals in our animal kingdom. But, they are or can be unpredictable, destructive, expensive and they need a lot of care and attention. Since some of them can live for over 40 years, they truly are a life-time commitment. Are you the person that is willing to spend most or all of your free time with you monkey? Before you consider buying a monkey, you have to learn as much as possible about them. Read books, use the internet, try to visit somebody who has primates at home, talk to people who have primates. You have to figure out which primate is perfect for you.
Before buying a primate you have to be sure that you are legally allowed to keep primates where you live. Some places don't allow to keep certain or any primates, others need a permit.
Like said earlier, monkeys are very expensive animals. Buying your monkey is just a beginning. You'll have to build a large cage even if you buy a small monkey. Don't even think about buying a parrot cage. They are really to small. You also need to provide cooling, heating and light. A monkeys diet consists of commercial primate food, fresh food, fresh or cooked vegetables, cereal, eggs, grasshoppers, meat, nuts.
Monkeys are very social animals. If you are not home all the time, you will have to buy a companion for him. Realize when you buy a monkey that it will be nearly impossible for you to travel since it is very hard to find somebody who can and will take care of your monkey. Or you will have to plan to travel with your monkey, which is not always possible where you may be going. So please think through your life style prior to purchasing a primate. Remember your primate becomes very bonded to you and will not always do well with a sitter. This is not like taking your dog to the kennel to be boarded while you are away.
If you are going to let your monkey run around in your house you will have to keep an eye on them all the time. Just like baby proofing a house you also have to monkey proof your house. Remember all the things that you have sitting around or stored that would be harmful to your new family member. Larger monkeys are able to open refrigerators, doors even with a lock on it, turn over furniture, swing in curtains, open windows and escape ....
All monkeys can bite. Even with reduced teeth it will still hurt. If you take your monkey out in public you have to realize that biting someone else that it could result in the loss of your monkey.
Make sure you find a vet specialized in primates before you buy your monkey. The first thing you should do after you buy your monkey is going to a primate vet for a check up. We hear to many times that people can't find a good vet for their monkey when they really need one.
Monkeys are very smart however understand training takes alot of time and dedication. Non Human Primates can make awesome companion and family members, but, once again it takes alot of time, training and attention. If you are buying a primate just because you think they are cute, then please reconsider, because monkeys that are bought as a symbol and kept in a cage are not good pets, they will bite, become unmanagable and they will be unhappy and you will be forced to eventually find placement for them in some rescue facility.