Do Finger Monkeys Make Good Pets?

What are Finger Monkeys?

You may have seen what is often referred to as a “finger monkey,” a very small primate that can literally cling to a human finger, resembling the toys of the same name. Are these adorable little creatures real and if so, do they make good pets?

The first answer is yes, the so-called “finger monkeys” are real animals. These smaller New World monkeys are called callitrichids, although there is a catch. The term “finger monkey” is very misleading.

Although small monkeys do exist, such as the pygmy marmoset, which is the smallest known monkey species, the smaller monkeys sold as pets in the Western world are the larger marmosets and tamarins. Don’t fit human fingers when they reach adult size.

The focus of showing these animals clinging to human fingers appears to be a marketing gimmick by some sellers to promote interest in the small primates and possibly make them seem like more attractive pets. animal This is very unfortunate because all primates are challenging pets for the average pet owner.

“Finger Monkey” Species

These are the small types of monkeys commonly available in exotic pet markets. At full size, none of these species are small enough to cling to a human finger. They also give their smaller size with an enormous need for care.

• Common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) This is the most common and popular primate pet.
• Black-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata)
• Geoffroy’s marmosets (Callithrix geoffroyi)
• Cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus Oedipus)
• Red hand tamarin (saguinus midas)

Caring for Small Monkeys

Regardless of size, primates of all species present a unique challenge to remain healthy and happy in captivity.

As one might guess by their close relationship with humans, monkeys, and other primates are social and quite complex mentally. Although all pet mammals require some level of enrichment, monkeys are quick-thinking and tire more easily with toys provided by their owners and can be very demanding of their time, as are many type of parrot

One of the biggest issues with monkeys as pets is that they need social enrichment unless the human owner can be with their pet at least 90% of the time, and this is high probably not feasible for most.

All monkeys must be housed with at least one other monkey of their own species. Many primate species are also known to be possessive and aggressive when they bond with humans and can even viciously attack strangers!

“Finger Monkey” checklist.

Do you think you’re ready to have a little monkey? Ask yourself the following questions:

• Are primates legal in your state and area? Is legislation proposed to ban them in the future?
• Do you understand that marmosets can have unpleasant bathroom habits and that their urine is known to smell Really bad?
• Are you ready to own a sought-after creature for 15+ years?
• Are you willing to adopt? even two monkeys or give a lot of time to one, which is probably impossible for people who do not work at home?
• Will you give up your vacations unless you find a rare caretaker who understands the unique challenges of primate care?
• Did you know that primates can get human diseases like the common cold and Herpes simplex virus type 1 and it can FATAL theirs?
• Do you have a vet willing to see primates? Remember, only because the vet can see exotics no that means they accept a monkey!

Which Species Are Best?

Although there is not much difference between the little monkeys, as they all require a lot of care and understanding, some species are said to have better habits and possibly reduced smell.

Anecdotally, common marmosets, which are the most widely available, are said to be the smelliest and the most aggressive (when raised individually) species.

However, don’t look for primates if these qualities are deal breakers for you; they are animals that work best with an owner who is tolerant and flexible when it comes to their undesirable traits. Monkeys are not as adaptable to human preferences as other domesticated animals.

Enclosure Size

Don’t let their size fool you; Marmosets and tamarins may be the size of “pocket pets,” but they are active, “smart,” and inquisitive.

The bigger their cage, the better your success in keeping them.

In fact, it is possible to keep them physically and psychologically healthier in a large, aviary-type, walk-in enclosure with many individuals. Doing so may make them less involved with their people, but they are easier to care for.

As for monkeys kept in a companion pet way, a spacious cage is very important because it gives you more places to put the enrichment, hang their food from different places, and allows for lots of exercise.

You don’t want to rely on letting them out of the cage for their activity needs because monkeys aren’t the cleanest. They can also be destructive when allowed to free-roaam. Giving them plenty of cage space keeps them from soiling your carpet and furniture and also keeps them from potentially threatening your guests!

Diet for Marmosets

Marmosets and tamarins should have a healthy, whole-food, omnivorous diet with a base of a commercially formulated primate biscuit from a reputable dealer. They can be fed a wide variety of items in addition to their nutritionally complete diet, including but not limited to:

• Fruit (especially those high in vitamin C)
• Vegetables
• Insects
• Yogurt
• Acacia gum
• Cooked pasta

Enrichment: Keep Them Vision!

Again, the importance of keeping primates enriched cannot be overstated. Academic textbooks can go into great detail to overcomplicate this concept, but the easiest way to understand how to successfully keep monkeys enriched is to devise ways to keep them actively foraging. Finding food is the monkeys’ “job” all day long, and it consumes their time in the wild.

In captivity, one does not need to mimic “natural” behaviors as much as one needs to give one’s monkeys something to do to invest their time.

Hiding food and food in different ways, such as inside puzzle feeders, inside containers, or in a challenging location, such as on an unstable surface, is necessary. You also want to provide novel enrichment, which means giving the animals something new to explore each day.

If You Still Want “Finger Monkey”…

Please be aware that this article and others are a general introduction to primates and their care. Hopefully, you’ve gained some insight into whether a marmoset or tamarin is a good option for your lifestyle or what you consider reasonable as far as the level of care you want to give them.

If you want to learn more about primate ownership, it’s a good idea to talk to owners and join Facebook groups for more in-depth discussions. Remember, each monkey’s experience is different, and we don’t know much about them compared to traditional pets like dogs and cats.

References for This Article

1. Duncan, Ashley. Marmoset Monkeys- The Basics of Petcare. 2021.
2. Freeburn, Sam. Care Guidelines for the Common Marmoset. 2008
3. Primate Care.com. Tamarins.
4. Veterinary Surgery Ark. Marmoset Care.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. The content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for personal advice or professional advice on business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

© 2022 Melissa A Smith

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