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tiny finger monkey

The Cutest Animal On Earth – The Finger Monkey

Finger Monkey:

Also known as the Pygmy Maromoset, a finger monkey hails from the smallest species of monkeys in the world. A baby finger monkey is so small that it can hold onto a human finger as a larger monkey would hold a tree branch.

These tiny creatures are native to the rainforests of South America. Most of their lives are spent high up in trees enjoying their favorite snack, Arabic gum.

What do they eat?

A finger monkey living in the wild certainly enjoys tree sap, resin, and Arabic gum. They will occasionally snack on some butterflies and small insects. Sometimes you will find a finger monkey munching on fruit or dabbling into some sweet nectar. But, as a proud owner of this adorable animal, you need to pay close attention to the amount of vitamin D3 and C in their diets. They need high amounts of these vitamins.

The next time you are out and about, look for biscuits that are specifically made for a finger monkey. You can easily find these at your local pet shop. Fresh fruits, pasta, vegetables, small insects and rice can be fed to a finger monkey.

How much will a finger monkey cost?

tiny finger monkeyThis companion is going to leave a dent in your bank account, but it’s worth it. A tiny 3-ounce baby can cost anywhere from $1400 to $4000. Add the costs of habitat and food, and you have quite a sum.  

Are They Good Pets & Emotional Support Animals?

Owning exotic and tiny pets has certainly become quite a trend over the years.  Fingers are becoming as common as teacup puppies among exotic pet owners. But if you are planning to commit to this fluffy responsibility there are a few thing you need to know. This is a primate animal and will stay such. It is important to know that a male finger monkey will become quite aggressive as it reaches adulthood. This is why they are typically not the best choice to serve as emotional support animals, and therapists may have a few extra questions if you ask them for an ESA letter for your finger monkey pet.

They are extremely clever creatures and learn quickly. A lone finger monkey may find it difficult to survive even with enough human contact. They eventually need more of their kind with them. Although they live in groups of 6 or 9 monkeys in their natural habitat, while adopting, consider getting at least two.

How to care for them? Hint: Not Like A Dog!

Taking care of these tiny creatures is certainly a handful of investment and responsibility. They need their living environment to be as close to their natural habitat as possible. You need to install a large cage as they need space to jump, climb and stay active. The cage should be installed with swings, artificial or real trees and a supply of water. The cage should be located in direct sunlight; if you do not have access to sunlight for longer periods of time, you need to install a heat lamp or ultraviolet light in their cage. Finger monkeys are prone to many diseases that humans can contract including HIV, chicken pox and the common cold. 

Lastly, they probably won’t make good emotional support animals. Not to say they couldn’t become this type of pet, however; you probably be better off getting an ESA dog if you’re looking for therapy animal.

Where to buy them?

With the popularity of finger monkeys as pets, it is easier to buy them than it used to be. You can either find one at your local pet store or online. Make sure you are buying from a responsible and ethical source.

Legalities

Before spending a hefty sum, make sure that your state allows finger monkeys as pets. You do not want to “monkey” around with the law.

Recommendations

Make sure you know a veterinarian who has experience with monkeys before you purchase one. Also get started on the habitat as soon as possible as it takes time to prepare