A small pet monkey can be a great addition to any family. They can be taught how to do tricks and they make for an entertaining companion.
However, they can come with a hefty price tag, and you are probably concerned about how much you can expect to pay. So, let’s settle this question first:
How much do small pet monkeys cost? Small pet monkeys can cost $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the breed and the sex. For example, Marmosets (finger monkeys) and Lemurs start at $1,500, Spider Monkeys start at $6,000, Capuchins at $5,000, while Chimpanzees can exceed $50,000 for a young one.
There are many factors that can affect how much you will pay for your new friend such as the type of monkey, how big it is, and where you purchase it from. In this blog post we’ll explore how much these little guys cost as well as what other expenses you might need to consider when adding a new member to your family!
Contents
Why do monkeys cost so much?
Monkeys are expensive pets because they are not easy to get legally. They also require a lot of care.
Pet shops can not simply breed monkeys as they do with other pets like dogs or cats.
Most of the time, if someone breeds a monkey it is illegal for them to sell them because they need special USDA permits that cost thousands of dollars.
This means that most monkeys you buy will be taken from their mothers at birth and bottle-fed by humans until they can eat on their own. They also may not know
Why are baby monkeys so expensive?
Baby monkeys are expensive because they are cuter and easier to handle and train, which are also the same reasons the babies of any pets are expensive (puppies, kittens, etc). Typically, female monkeys are also worth more than their male counterparts as they are, in some species, less violent, but they are still relatively aggressive compared to other pets.
How much do small pet monkeys cost?
Here are some examples of small pet monkeys and how much they cost.
Marmoset Monkeys (Finger Monkeys)
Price Range: Between $1,500 and $2,500
Pygmy marmosets are one of the smallest primates in existence, weighing only about three ounces. They’re small and adorable, with lots of humans wanting them as pets. Marmosets originate from Central America and spend most of their lives high in trees eating resin and gum.
The marmoset measures 4-6 inches tall and has a tail that is at least as long. Adults weigh only 3.5 oz., so you can see how tiny and light these monkeys are. Marmosets may live up to 18 years in captivity if properly cared for.
Marmosets are a highly social and interactive species, therefore keeping them together with other marmosets for lengthy periods of time is recommended.
I have a complete post on the Marmosts with everything you need to know here: The smallest pet monkey.
Capuchins
Price Range: $5,000 and $7,500
The Capuchin is a diminutive monkey breed with a two-toned coat and small stature. It’s tiny, quick, clever, and territorial.
The capuchin monkey has a 12 to 22-inch tail, with tails that are frequently nearly as long as the body. They have a mischievous spirit and may live for many years in captivity. So, if you choose this breed, make sure you’re prepared to keep them for a long time.
Squirrel Monkey
Price Range: $9,000 – $20,000
Squirrel monkeys are one of the most popular monkey species, and just like other monkeys, they require a lot of care and attention. They can reach 9.8 to 13.8 inches in length with a tail of 14 to 17 inches more in captivity. In the wild, they have a maximum lifespan of 15 years, but only 12 years in captivity.
Spider Monkey
Price Range: $6,000 – $14,000
The red-tailed monkey (Cercopithecus ascanius) is a small primate that inhabits Central and South America’s tropical forests, where it eats fruits, flowers, insects, and other invertebrates. Monkey enthusiasts enjoy the long limbs and prehensile tails of this species (up to 35 inches in length).
The tails of spider monkeys assist them in mobility. They may live up to 20 to 25 years in the wild, but because they are frequently hunted as food, this might be shorter. In captivity, spider monkeys can survive up to 35 years.
Tamarin
Price Range:$ 1,500 and $2,500
The tamarins are small squirrel-like monkeys that originated in Central and South America. They range in length from 5 to 11 inches with a 9 to 17-inch tail, weighing between 10 and 20 ounces.
Tamarins are tiny monkeys that have longer lower canine teeth than marmosets, although they share a lot of characteristics with them. They have a unique mustache and a wide range of colors. In captivity, they have been known to live for up to 18 years old.
Is a small monkey a good pet?
A small monkey is a good pet only if you have experience with monkeys and know what you are doing, otherwise, monkeys do not make good pets because they require a lot of effort, money, attention, and care.
Monkeys can also be dangerous because they can be aggressive and they carry and transmit diseases.
You also must make sure monkeys are legal where you are because monkeys are not legal in most places.
You can learn where are monkeys legal here.
Conclusion: Should you get a small monkey?
You probably should not get a small pet monkey unless you really know what you are in for. Monkeys are expensive and demanding pets.
They also require a lot of attention and care, which you must be ready for if you want to get one.
If you are budget conscious or don’t have much time for your pet monkey, then it’s better not to get them in the first place!
Related Questions
How long do finger monkeys live?
Finger monkeys live up to 20 years in captivity, but they may live up to 40 years. They live in the western Amazon basin and come from South American rain forests. They are not endangered, and they are categorized as “Priority Species” by the IUCN.
How many hours a day does my pet monkey need attention?
Monkeys require about three or four hours of attention per day and it is recommended that you spend at the very least one hour each day with them.
Do I need to take my pet monkey on a walk?
You don’t have to, but it is recommended that you do because monkeys love exploring and exercising outside like their wild counterparts. They can also get into mischief if they are left alone for long periods of time!
