How Much Does a Marmoset Monkey Cost?
The marmoset is a member of the primate family and is known to be one of the tiniest monkeys in the world.
These monkeys do not find contentment just by sitting in the cage all day long — they need to play, climb and socialize with people and other animals.
The cost of one can depend on the specific breed, the gender, age, quality and the breeder you’re adopting from.
How much does a marmoset monkey cost?
On average, a Marmoset monkey is going to cost anywhere from $700 to as much as $4,500 depending on the factors mentioned above.
According to Themonkeywhisperer.com, an online breeder, they sell baby male and female marmoset monkeys for $2,500.
Jandaexotics.com, another breeder with prices listed online, also sell Marmoset monkeys for close to $2,500.
CannonAds.com, an online classified website that has many exotic animal listings, has a few Marmoset monkey ads, with prices ranging from $600 to $1,500.
Marmoset monkey overview
Most monkeys that are sold for the prices noted above are usually around eight weeks old and need to be hand fed for a limited amount of time.
The marmoset monkey should be hand raised, taught how to socialize, and dewormed. In addition, most breeders include hand feeding materials and food samples. A good owner should provide support once you take the monkey home as well.
Males and females are similar in size, with the average size being around seven inches. The average weight tends to be in the 10 to 16-ounce range, according to SugarGlidersRUs.com.
The fur will be multicolor, with sprinkles of brown, yellow and gray. The most common variety will have a white ear tuft, while the Geoffreys will have the white more around their face.
Their lifespan, when taken care of properly, can be 12 to 18 years, with the average Marmoset reaching full growth at 18 months of age.
What are the extra costs?
Besides adopting the marmoset monkey, you also need to consider the costs of taking care of your new pet. The average monkey will eat around $15 to $30 worth of food in a week. The average diet, when in captivity, may include formula, yogurt, baby cereal and/or a Marmoset-blended protein diet.
The cage is priced around $100 to $300, and this will depend on the size of the cage, the materials it’s made from and the size. A recommended sized cage will usually be at least 7′ x 7′ x 4′.
A hammock for the cage costs around $20 to $40.
In addition, the diapers, clothing and covers will cost around $20 to $40 per month. Yes; just like a baby, a monkey will need to have its diaper trained.
Since these are animals that love to be stimulated, it is important that they have lots of activities to do. This can include toddler toys, mirrors and stuffed animals inside the cage and within the home if you let it roam while being supervised.
If you do not have the time to take care of the monkey during the day while you are at work, you may want to consider hiring someone to come over and let the monkey out to play once or twice a day. Each visit, if you’re able to find a qualified candidate, could charge up to $20 to $40 per visit.
You may also have to pay for the shipping fee which costs around $250 if you purchase it online and cannot pick it up in your local area.
Average vet bills for a healthy monkey can cost anywhere from $300 to $500 a year; however, this price is for monkeys that are healthy. If any other problems exist, such as diabetes, the costs can skyrocket.
Tips to know:
Only buy a marmoset monkey from a USDA licensed breeder. Usually, they have the parents on premises during breeding. In addition, they are knowledgeable in tether-training your marmoset.
Marmoset monkeys have their own food and are not allowed to eat human food. You can buy this food from a pet store, specialty store or online.
Do not keep your marmoset in isolation. They are highly social animals and need constant interaction.
Be careful when your marmoset is sexually active as it tends to be aggressive.
Do not just go for the typical vet. Find a vet that has experience with exotic animals. Make sure you make a visit to the vet before taking the monkey home. It is ideal to get your marmoset seen by a vet within 72 hours for the health warranty.
Get a Class 3 Personal Permit before you buy a marmoset monkey. The paperwork takes about two to three days.
Check your local laws to make sure it’s even legal to own this type of animal.
Questions to ask a potential breeder
Could be the scent glands of the marmoset monkey be spayed before taking it home?
What vaccinations are needed? Which ones are included with the adoption?
Is the monkey able to coexist with other animals in the home? What is its personality like?
Is it safe to let the marmoset run free at home?
Could you give assistance in getting the Class 3 personal pet permit?
How can I save money?
Purchase your Marmoset monkey in the US and remember to purchase from a licensed USDA breeder only. Since 1976, it has against the law to import monkeys from outside of the United States.
Negotiate with the breeder to be able to get a good deal. Many breeders are more than happy to haggle.
Always avoid free monkeys. A free monkey will usually give you more trouble than it is worth.
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