Many people dream of having an exotic pet. Recently, among the breeders there have appeared many fans of small monkeys - marmosettes. These are amazingly smart and cute animals. Like any pet, the marmosocket requires special care. What you need to know about this monkey before you start it?
Description
Marmosettes are the smallest primates of the marmoset family. Often they are called "pocket monkeys" for their tiny growth and active behavior. The weight of an adult reaches 100 grams, and growth varies between 20 and 25 centimeters. The marmosettes 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 blotches may be present. A distinctive feature of the marmoset is round, slanting, but expressive eyes and only 2 teeth in the jaw apparatus. Interestingly, the monkeys' limbs allow them to jump 5 meters.
Kinds
There are several types of small monkeys:
- Silver marmoset. This is the most numerous type of marmoset. The monkey was named so because of its color: silver hairs are present on the animal’s hair.
- Golden Outwardly resembles a silver monkey. The main difference is the color. The golden marmosette has a characteristic yellow coat and rings on the tail. There are white tassels on the ears.
- Black-eared. Its color is similar to the color of the zebra, but instead of white stripes - brown. The name says: such marmosettes have black hair on their ears. This species most often lives next to people.
Habitat and lifestyle
Marmosettes are monkeys primarily 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 society resembling a family, and can be united by several generations.
Gammon monkeys communicate using sounds similar to twitter and tweet. In their “dictionary” there are at least 10 signals that they are guided by during the “negotiations”. Marmosettes - which is not typical for primates - do not designate their territory, do not become attached to it and do not defend.
Such monkeys bring offspring twice a year. Unusually, newborn marmosets are in the custody of the male, and meet with the mother only when feeding occurs.
At large, these primates can live 10 years. With a home marmoset, with proper care and maintenance, this period often turns out to be longer.
The lifestyle of the marmoset allows them to hide from attacks by land animals. But birds and some animals pose a huge threat to monkeys. The main danger, nevertheless, is man: he destroys their habitats and engages in the illegal capture of primates.
In the marmoset schedule, rest and exploration of the territory occupy most of the time. Based on observations, we can say that these are the main activities in the life of monkeys. In addition, monkeys stockpile and play a lot. Rest at the marmosets is not really a rest in the understanding of a person. The monkey at this moment examines objects and animals, looks closely at its relatives.
Breeding
The female reaches puberty at two years. She herself chooses a mating partner. Pregnancy takes about 150 days. Such monkeys are not very fertile: usually they can produce 2-3 cubs. The weight of a small marmoset at birth ranges from 12-15 grams. The first months the babies spend with a female who is engaged in their feeding. After this period, the male becomes responsible for the small marmosets. 3 months must pass from birth so that the monkeys can move around without the help of their parents. Marmosettes begin to consume "adult" food at the age of six months.
Price
A monkey, like other small animals, can be bought at a pet store, on a site with ads for sale, or on social networks. It is dangerous to choose a marmosocket from the photo on the site. Before buying, it is better to examine the animal with a veterinarian for the presence of diseases and characteristics of the general condition.
Often they are brought in illegally across the border, while animals suffer greatly. Usually, breeders set the price at 50-60 thousand rubles. However, do not forget that keeping such a pet at home is difficult not only because of the hassle associated with keeping, feeding, raising and training, but also because of the material costs of parts of their life that are important for monkeys: toys, treats, exercise machines .
Maintenance and care
These primates feed mainly on fruits, but do not disdain to eat insects and some vertebrates. Marmosetka is a social animal. She has a need not only to satisfy her hunger, to show activity, but also to communicate. If he 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 be active and will suffer. In addition, the marmosocket needs a specially equipped place where it will feel safe. Marmosets are rather timid, so such a place will make it easier for them to stay in captivity.
You can add branches to the cage to the monkey, placing them along the perimeter at different heights. The wood should be chosen stronger so that the animal can nibble it. This will not only bring the living conditions in captivity closer to the real ones, but it will also take the monkey. It is also important to observe and respect the daily routine of the animal. It is better not to disturb the sleep and not to interfere with the pet during its wakefulness. You should be prepared for the fact that the marmosocket wants to change the territory, since such behavior is familiar to her.
The most important thing in life with animals is the attitude towards them with love and care. And then they will only please the owners for many, many years.