Primatepal.com

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  Where you find the keys to happy pets and their owners! 

Caging requirements can differ from state to state, When I am asked I like to tell people the bigger the better. Primates are strong and smart, so heavy gauge wire or links and saftey doors are recommended. Don't ever under estimate the ability of your Primate to escape!

Caging Basics

Smaller Primates check list  

 Marmosets and Tamerins

• For one or two animals,
• a cage 3 feet by 4 feet by 4 feet high is minimum standard size.
• perching area
• climbing apparatus
• nest box
• both physical stimulation and manipulation devises are needed

Larger Primate check list 

 Capuchins and Macaques

• For one or two animals
• a cage 6 feet by 6 feet by 6 feet high is minimum standard size.
• perching area
• shelter area
• climbing apparatus
• both physical and manipulation devises are needed

All primates kept in cages should always be in a sanitary condition.

This includes the following.

1. clean drinking water and fresh food daily
2. removal of fecal and food waste daily
3. cleaning of enclosure or cage

Cage building Extras...

Primates can show signs of boredom in captivity so it is very important to change things around for them. Use many different objects and materials inside their cage. They can spend hours exploring and playing.

Here are a fews things you can add.

• Branches
• dried leaves and woodchips
• swings
• rocka
• tires
• pool/pond depending on size (bird baths can be great for smaller primates as well)
• ladders
• mirrors that are not breakable
• balls
• hanging feeders
• ropes

Be creative and many items can stimulate your primate that you already have handy. Hang a treat filled water bottle with a hole in it and they will play all day!

I built my cage and filled it with ropes and fresh cut branches. Changing things up for your monkey is easy with using the things you would throw away. Old blanket nailed to the wall, for instance, would make a great hammock!

Don't forget to use non toxic plants and branches. A few non toxice plants are

• bamboo
• rubber tree
• pine
• hibiscus
• willow
• palm trees

Points of interest!

1. primates require unfiltered sunlight for their skelital growth which provides vitamin D3. If indoors, use a Vita-Lites to simulate natural sunlight.
2. some primates scent mark their cages, so be sure to clean cage one time, nesting boxes another day.
3. Many baby and infant toys are great for primates as well. Be sure not to use toys with small plastic pieces however, primates have stron teeth and can chew them off. This may cause them to choke.