Full grown finger monkeys, also called pocket monkeys, are amazing. They are the cutest and tiniest creatures, especially when compared to other species of monkeys. In addition to being the smallest monkey species in the world today, these finger monkeys are among the smallest primates known to mankind. These finger monkeys are natives in the Amazon Basin in South America and are also found in Ecuador, South Eastern Columbia, Eastern Peru and Brazil. Finger monkeys are also commonly referred to as pygmy marmoset or pocket monkeys. Due to their small size, these monkeys are preferred for pets than the other species of larger monkeys.
Here are some of the facts you may not know about full grown finger monkeys;
They are a size of around 14-16 cm and a tail that is 15-20cm long. Male fully grown finger monkeys weigh around 140grams and their female counterparts weigh around 120grams.
The pygmy monkeys have fur like other mammals. The color of fur on the bodies of the pygmy monkeys is a mixture of brownish-gold and grey. The head and back are black in color and the underparts of the monkeys are tawny, orange and yellow. The tail is adorned with black rings, has flecks of white on the face and neck.
Full grown finger monkeys have very sharp teeth that they use to obtain food from their natural environment. The full grown finger monkeys use their lower teeth, which are very sharp, to gorge the sap latex and gum from trees in their natural habitat.
Full grown finger monkeys are very aggressive as compared to the other species of monkeys. They are aggressive when they are hungry or when they feel offended or intimidates. They respond by biting their owners, throwing their feces at each other and they may also attack each other or their owners.
Most of the pygmy monkeys live in troops of around 2-9 individuals. Each of these groups has one dominant male, just like in any other troops like that of lions. The troop also has one breeding female and a litter of young ones.
Full grown finger monkey communicate using chemical, vocal and visual signs. The use of either signal to use depends on the distance the signal needs to travel. Visual signals are used when the monkeys are feeling threatened and need to show dominance. Full grown finger monkeys use chemical signals when they have to mate. The females use secretions from the areas around the chest and genital areas to indicate to the male counterparts that they are ready to reproduce.
Female finger monkeys give birth to twins two times every year. The parenting and caring responsibility of the young ones is shared among the members of the troop.
Finger monkeys have the ability to rotate their heads at 180 degrees. These monkeys walk on 4 limbs and can leap up to a height of 5 meters from one branch to another.
Buying a finger monkey as a pet
Before buying a finger monkey to raise in your home as a pet, here are some of the important things you should put into consideration;
You should have information and knowledge on how to raise the finger monkeys as pets in your home. This is because finger monkeys are quite unlike the other species of monkeys in the world. Ensure that you know about the diet the finger monkeys like and their preferred environment. The main advantage of this species of monkeys is that they adapt very fast to their environment.
Ensure that you get the permit from the concerned authorities. This is because different states have different rules, regulations and requirements for you to meet when you want to pet a finger monkey. In addition to getting the required documents and permits from the concerned authorities, ensure that there is also a veterinary near you. The veterinary should have knowledge on primate health and care. This is because finger monkeys are prone to diseases like HIV, common cold and even chicken pox.
In their natural habitat, this species of monkeys feed on gums, saps and even vines In addition, they supplement their diet with fruits, nuts, small insects and reptiles. In absence of these, you can give them a diet with a lot of calcium, carbohydrates and protein.
The cost of the finger monkey. Just like other pets, getting a finger monkey as a pest costs money. The cost varies depending on your location and the legislature concerning the finger monkeys in the area. On average, baby finger monkeys may cost you from $1400-$4000.
You should also consider the environment in which you are intending to keep the finger monkeys. Ensure that your environment is as close to the natural environment as possible. Also, the cage you create for the finger monkeys is large enough so that the monkeys can have space to jump around. In the cage should be swings so that the monkeys can have fun, artificial or natural trees and enough water. Ensure that the cage is in direct sunlight. If there is no sufficient sunlight, you need to install UV light in the cage or a heat lamp.
Why finger monkeys are preferred for pets
Here are some of the reasons why many people love to keep the finger monkeys as pets in their homes;
- They are fun to play with when you are relaxing in your space.
- They are very cute and cuddly.
- They do not get very big, they remain the size of the finger even when they are grown up.
Why finger monkeys do not make good pets
- They are difficult to pet just like all the other monkey species.
Shipping the finger monkeys is very expensive and costly.
They do not like sharing, especially your finger with other things or monkeys.
Full grown Finger Monkeys
Finger monkeys, also referred to as pygmy marmosets or pocket monkeys, and are preferred by many people for petting. However, there are several states that restrict the shipping and petting of these almost endangers species of monkeys. You should also ensure that they are washed regularly and that you spend as much time as you can with them.
