MONKEYS ARE DIFFICULT, OFTEN UNRULY AS PETS (2024)

FAQs

MONKEYS ARE DIFFICULT, OFTEN UNRULY AS PETS? ›

A monkey is a wild animal. Its infant friendliness fades as soon as it reaches adulthood. It then becomes aggressive and can attack at the slightest provocation. Home-rearing an infant primate does not stop or alter this behavior.

Overall, monkeys are not good pets. Yes, some can be quite sweet for a time. But the reality is monkeys are capable of causing too much harm and need too much care and attention to thrive in a human household. These issues are equally as important when it comes to apes (chimpanzees, orangutans, and gibbons).

Some species of primate can live for 20-40 years, making them a serious long-term commitment. Here are some more reasons why primates don't make good pets. They're potentially dangerous - while they might look cute, they can become aggressive when they mature and have been known to bite and attack their owners.

They are escape artists and they are strong — they can cause a lot of damage to themselves and their surroundings. Primates can become violent toward humans who try to domesticate them. If kept isolated in captivity, they can develop mental health problems that can cause them to attack and injure people.

Restrictive environments impact their physical health, and can increase frustration and aggression. When pet monkeys reach maturity, they can become difficult to handle and may even injure their owners.

Issue stern commands.

The best way to let your monkey know that you are in charge is to issue a stern command that they stop any aggressive behavior. Issuing a simple command such as “No” or “Stop” is enough. Say your command quickly and clearly, speaking loudly without screaming the command.

Monkeys are highly excitable animals and will relieve themselves whenever and wherever they are upset. Though you may be somewhat successful diapering or toilet-training a young monkey, once the monkey reaches maturity, that training is forgotten or ignored.

The chemical Capsaicincontained in chilli is an excellent repellent against monkeys, squirrels, and some other wild animals. Farmers who grow chilli will also benefit from an extra source of income.

Sometimes, younger monkeys can be partially potty trained, but they lose that ability as they mature. In addition, as they're attempting to potty train, they tend to throw their poop and play with their pee. Because of this, pet monkeys have to wear diapers throughout their lives.

What is the lifespan of a pet monkey? ›

For instance, cynomolgus monkeys (a.k.a., crab-eating macaques or long-tailed macaques) are one of the most prevalent species in research and live an average of 38 years in captivity. Vervet monkeys, popular as pets, can live up to 30 years in captivity.

The researchers found that in colder, wetter weather, the monkey huddles were larger. This confirmed that macaques use nighttime cuddling to fight off the chill.

Everyone asks if our monkeys smell bad or assume that they always have a smell. Some species of monkeys do put off an odor but the only odor that comes from ours is when they need a diaper change.

Most wild-reared monkeys showed considerable fear of the real, toy, and model snakes, whereas most lab-reared monkeys showed only very mild responses.

What to do if you are attacked? Do not run away or show fear – this will just tell the monkey that you are inferior and their aggression could intensify. Back away slowly, don't turn your back on the monkey but do avoid making eye contact. Show the monkey that you are not holding anything in your hands.

For smaller monkeys, this occurs around 18 to 24 months of age, while chimpanzees mature at around seven years of age. At this point, the animal you felt was part of your family will likely become aggressive and territorial.

Marmoset monkeys are the most commonly kept and traded species of primate as pets.

Owning a pet monkey comes with big challenges, but they can make joyful life-long companions. Caring for a monkey requires loads of time, money and patience, and it's one of the biggest commitments you'll ever make.

The legality of owning a monkey varies, depending on where you live. Some states say absolutely not, whereas other states say it's OK in certain circumstances. If it's legal where you live, you're still required to obtain a permit and show proof of an enclosure big enough that the monkey can live and play.