I want a Common Marmoset (pet)...

MrMoe

Anybody know anything about "Common Marmosets" as pets? I am seriously considering getting one. They are a very small monkey - but don't really look like a monkey. They are squirrel size and the type I want has large white tufts in thier ears.

I fell in love with one as a little girl and have wanted one for the last 16 years, but before I invest a large sum of money and take on a new addition to the family - I would like to know if they are as sweet as I remember. I know they can be a handful - but at least they are small and can be placed in a 6' x 6' cage while I am at work.

Hope one of you knows about these pets - I need some real first hand information. I know primates make awkward pets - but marmosets are very very small - my main concern is biting and how close they would bond with me. Am I better off getting 1 or 2? I don't want it to be lovey dovey with it's mate and hate me - but I don't want it to be lonely either.

Hope you all can help me out.

Ranchette

I don't know any thing about these little critters but they sure sound cute!
Ranchette

JanH

Moe,

One concern is that monkeys generally are extremely active. You may well find all your living room plants ripped up and spread over the house once you turn your back on it... That is true about most pets in a sense, but monkeys have this nasty ability to climb everywhere. Check out with other people who has had marmosets as pets...

A more serious concern: I know that marmosets are on the list of endangered animals, partly due to locals capturing them and selling them as pets in Europe and the US. Check current status, and please reconsider if you end up supporting animal poaching by having one as a pet.

- Jan
--
"Doctor how can you diagnose someone with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and then act like I had some choice about barging in here right now?" -- As Good As It Gets

MrMoe

I have done further research and it is usually recommended to get a tamarin rather than a marmoset because marmosets are more likely to get aggressive with age. They are both in the same species.

Jan - the marmosets in my area are legal if they are captive breed, but you do need to obtain a license. Marmosets are endangered species. The more research I do the more I realize monkeys are very moody and a poor choice for people with kids. I guess until Emilly is older - it is out of the question. Marmosets bite and love attention but refuse to be held - they are shoulder pets. They also live about 20 - 40 years and believe it or not - can die of loneliness. They are very susceptible to tuberculosis as well and need to be checked constantly.

I would really like to get a sugar glider - but they only live 2 years at best - and I also love hedgehogs - very sweet personalities and they love attention - but they are so darn pokey.

I put some links for pictures so you all can know what I am talking about.

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Fields/2662/marmosets.html

http://www.szgdocent.org/pp/p-tamgld.htm

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/vets/tamarin.html - this link is for the Cotton-Top Tamarin
(Saguinus oedipus)

Farkel

I've been told that Marmosets are quite good. (If they're properly cooked.)

Get a parrot!

Farkel
Yellow-Naped Amazon Class

"When in doubt, duck!"

Englishman

I think that I would make a good house pet. Apart from being almost house trained I can soon be talked into being snuggled up to an ample bosom.

I also enjoy having my tummy tickled.

Englishman.

Nostalgia isn't what it used to be....

bboyneko

Moe, if you want an unusual pet get a caiman, they grow to be six feet long and can eat your cat but they are darned cute for a cold-blooded carnivore.

JanH

Moe,

Considered a ferret? They are intelligent, cute and very social.

Of course, there is a reason that the Norwegian word for ferret, "ilder", is derived from a word for "angry."

- Jan
--
"Doctor how can you diagnose someone with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and then act like I had some choice about barging in here right now?" -- As Good As It Gets

Farkel

Welcome back from Thailand, Jan! (Don't forget to get your shots now!)

: Considered a ferret? They are intelligent, cute and very social.

I had a a friend who had a ferret. (They're illegal in California, but then again, EVERYTHING is illegal in the People's Republic of California) He was smarter and more active than a rat, but every bit as ugly. I let my parrot cruise around one day, and Mr. Ferret the predator decided to get frisky and go after my parrot. Mr. Ferret no longer has a nose, and Mr. Farkel no longer has a friend.

Parrots don't play!

Farkel

"When in doubt, duck!"

MrMoe

Yes - we are considering a ferret - rather my husband is - but I heard ferrets can get nasty. They also smell funky. Another strong consideration is a hedgehog - know anybody that has a hedgehog? Friend of mine had a hedgehog - he was super sweet and loved to play ball.

PS - I live in Florida - most pets are legal here - including ferrets, as long as they are captive breed.

I want a Common Marmoset (pet)...

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