Looking for signs of distress can help avoid any serious issues such as an attack or aggression. Smiling is not a sign of happiness. Monkeys smile or show their teeth when they are scared. Jumping up and down or banging objects together can be a show of strength and intimidation. Your monkey will likely have its own methods of expressing itself using body language. You will need to pay careful attention and learn what your monkey is trying to tell you.
Loud screams can indicate a bad mood. A kind of purring is used when Capuchins meet and are comfortable with each other. Your monkey may seek to make contact with you if you are out of sight with a “ik” or “fueh” sound. If your monkey feels alarmed they may make an “ik-a” or “i-tsch-g-k” sound. A sharp whistling can also indicate your monkey feels threatened. Your monkey may make sounds that are unique. You will need to pay careful attention to what your monkey might be trying to say when making noises.
Social status. Your monkey may feel insecure in their social standing or try to challenge your rank as “alpha”. Territory. Capuchin’s may claim items or spaces as their own and will defend them. Fear. Monkeys can easily become frightened by loud noises or fast movements. Unfulfilled life. Monkeys need a large amount of space and lots of social interaction to be happy.
You may need to build a permanent large shelter or cage for a monkey that is unsafe to be around. As monkeys age their behavior will also change. This is most obvious during puberty. While you can provide a great environment and care for your monkey, this is no guarantee that they will be safe to be around.
Always move slowly and confidently. If bitten or scratched, try to remain calm. Never react with quick or jerky movements even if your monkey is acting aggressively towards you.
Issuing a simple command such as “No” or “Stop” is enough. Say your command quickly and clearly, speaking loudly without screaming the command.
Place your monkey back in their cage if they are misbehaving. A time out will allow your monkey time to calm down or escape whatever was making them nervous or aggressive. A cage for your monkey should be around 7’x7’x4’ to provide plenty of space for them.
Other options such as surgically removing the finger tips or canine teeth will not calm your monkey down or build trust. Hitting your monkey will only cause it to become more aggressive or fearful. Shock collars, confinement in a small cage, or other restraint won’t help with behavioral issues.
Many Capuchin monkeys live for around thirty years. Your monkey will require a great deal of care and attention. Getting a Capuchin monkey as a pet will be a long term commitment.
Young monkeys will need almost constant contact with you. As monkeys age they will require less contact. However, you will still not be able to leave them alone for more than eight hours a day.
Fruits such as mangos, pineapples, apples, pears, and grapes can be great parts of your monkey’s diet. Carrots, cucumbers, and sweet corn are examples of some vegetables you can include in your monkey’s diet. Boiled poultry and fish can be good sources of protein for your monkey. Trying to recreate the natural act of food scavenging can be a good way to make your monkey feel at home and get some activity. Hide some treats or put them in simple puzzles for your Capuchin to solve.
