Many dream of owning an exotic pet. Recently, many fans of little monkeys - marmosets - have appeared among breeders. These are amazingly smart and cute animals. Like any pet, marmoset requires special care. What do you need to know about this monkey before you get it?
Description
Marmosets are the smallest primates of the marmoset family. They are often referred to as "pocket monkeys" for their tiny stature and active demeanor. The weight of an adult reaches 100 grams, and the height varies between 20 and 25 centimeters. Marmosets have a very long tail, which serves them only as an ornament, without performing any functions. The typical color of the monkey is reddish-dark. Black or white patches may be present. A distinctive feature of marmosets is round, slanting, but expressive eyes and only 2 teeth in the jaw apparatus. Interestingly, the limbs of the monkeys allow them to jump up to 5 meters.
Views
There are several types of little monkeys:
- Silvermarmoset. This is the most numerous type of marmoset. The monkey was named so because of the color: there are silver hairs on the animal's coat.
- Golden. It looks like a silver monkey. The main difference is in color. The golden marmoset has a characteristic yellow coat and tail rings. There are white tassels on the ears.
- Black-eared. Its color is similar to that of a zebra, but instead of white stripes it is brown. The name speaks: such marmosets have black hair on their ears. This species is more likely to live near humans.
Habitat and lifestyle
Marmosets are monkeys predominantly found in South America, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. They settle in the crowns of trees, thereby protecting themselves from inhospitable predators. They live in a family-like society and can be united for several generations.
Marmosets communicate using sounds similar to chirping and chirping. In their "dictionary" there are at least 10 signals that they are guided by during the "negotiations". Marmosets - which is atypical for primates - do not mark their territory, do not become attached to it and do not defend it.
Such monkeys bring offspring twice a year. Unusually, newborn marmosets are in the care of the male, and they meet with the mother only when feeding occurs.
In the wild, these primates can live up to 10 years. At home marmoset, with proper care and maintenance, this periodoften more.
The way of life of marmosets allows them to hide from the attacks of land animals. But birds and some animals pose a huge threat to monkeys. The main danger still remains man: he destroys their habitats and engages in illegal capture of primates.
Most of the marmoset schedule is rest and exploration. Based on observations, we can say that these are the main activities in the life of monkeys. In addition, the monkeys stock up and play a lot. Rest at marmosets is not quite a rest in the understanding of a person. The monkey at this moment examines objects and animals, looks at its relatives.
Reproduction
A female reaches sexual maturity at two years. She chooses her own partner for mating. Pregnancy lasts about 150 days. Such monkeys are not very prolific: they usually give birth to 2-3 cubs. The weight of a small marmoset at birth ranges from 12-15 grams. The babies spend the first months with the female who feeds them. After this period, the male becomes responsible for the little marmosets. It must take 3 months from birth for the monkeys to be able to move around without the help of their parents. Marmosets begin to eat "adult" food at the age of six months.
Price
A monkey, like other small animals, can be bought at a pet store, on a website with sales announcements or on social networks. Choosing a marmoset from a photo on the site is dangerous. Beforepurchase, it is better to examine the animal with a veterinarian for the presence of diseases and characteristics of the general condition.
They are often smuggled across the border and the animals suffer greatly. Usually breeders set the price at 50-60 thousand rubles. However, do not forget that it is difficult to keep such a pet at home, not only because of the hassle associated with keeping, feeding, raising and training, but also because of the material costs for important parts of their lives for monkeys: toys, treats, exercise equipment..
Maintenance and Care
These primates feed mainly on fruits, but do not disdain to eat insects and some vertebrates. Marmoset is a social animal. She has a need not only to satisfy her hunger, to be active, but also to communicate. If it is lacking, the monkey may feel depressed and lonely. Because of this, individuals often even begin to refuse food.
For a monkey, you can build a separate aviary, cage or terrarium. But you need to rely on the fact that it should be large enough for games. Otherwise, the monkey will lose the opportunity to show its activity and will suffer. In addition, the marmoset needs a specially equipped place where it will feel safe. Marmosets are quite shy, so a place like this will make it easier for them to stay in captivity.
You can add branches to the monkey's cage, placing them around the perimeter at different heights. Wood should be chosen stronger so that the animal can gnaw it. This will not only bring living conditions in captivity closer to real ones, but also keep the monkey busy. It is also important to observe and respect the daily routine of the animal. It is better not to disturb sleep and not interfere with the pet during his wakefulness. You should also be prepared for the fact that the marmoset wants to change territory, since such behavior is habitual for her.
The most important thing in life with animals is to treat them with love and care. And then they will only please the owners for many, many years.
