The marmoset species I typically have available are the white tufted marmosets (Callithrix j. jacchus), black tufted marmosets,
(Callithrix penicillata), and the hybrids, (Callithrix kuhli). The latter being a naturally occurring sub-species, (with their own taxonomic
classification), consisting of a white tufted and a black tufted. They are also known as "coolies" for lack of an English name, (at least
so far).
The main difference between the aforementioned species is in the color of the ear tufts. Common marmosets will develop white ear
tufts, black tufted marmosets will develop black ear tufts, while the coolies will sport the "salt and pepper" look.
The tamarin species I typically have available are the red handed tamarins, (Saguinas midas), and the cotton top tamarins,
(Saguinas oedipus).
These species have entirely different appearances, vocalizations, as well as ecologies.
Prices on all species of marmosets are $2000.00
Please call for pricing on tamarins.
Marmosets and tamarins are small new world monkeys that are members of the callitrichid family. They will have an average body
size of 9 to 11 inches (23-28 cm.), and a tail of about 12 to 14 inches, (30-36 cm.), and will reach an average weight of about one
pound. All species of callitrichids are threatened in the wild, and a few are listed as endangered species. In captivity they have a life
span of about 15 years. They are highly social animals, living in family groups of between 3-20 individuals. Social bonds are
strengthened through grooming. They are diurnal monkeys which means they are active in the day and sleep at night. They use a
wide variety of calls and facial expressions to communicate. In the wild, marmosets are mostly gummivores, which means they eat
mostly sap from trees. Tamarins on the other hand do not share this trait. In captivity we use ZuPreem brand marmoset diet,
supplemented with fruit, veggies, oatmeal, cooked pasta, cooked eggs, cooked beans, tofu, sweet potato, cheese, nuts, yogurt,
cereal, etc.
Do not feed them garlic, onions, or tomatoes.
Marmosets and tamarins usually give birth to twins after a gestation period of approximately 150 days, though triplets and single
births sometimes occur. Sexual maturity is reached at approximately 16-24 months of age. Females have an estrous cycle, as
opposed to a menstrual cycle, which is approximately 15 days. The father plays a major role in helping raise the infants.
Marmosets and tamarins are ecologically separated by a line formed by the amazon river and one of it's main tributaries. Marmosets
are found exclusively on the South and East of this line while tamarins are found North and West of it. Marmosets often live in larger
family groups than tamarins. The main difference between them however, (aside from appearance and expression), is in their
dentition.
a U-shaped jaw, with
elongated incisors on
both upper and lower
jaws.
is V-shaped, with canines
and incisors of equal length.
this dental pattern makes the
marmoset better equipped at
gouging holes in trees to
draw out sap.
Our infants generally go out at about 4 weeks of age. By this age, the infant is already sleeping through the night and going to the
bathroom on its own. Infants will be taking four feedings a day. We make our baby formula using equal parts (one scoop) Enfamil
low iron formula, and Gerber mixed baby cereal, mixed in 2 ounces of bottled water. A small amount of yogurt is added to the
formula. New formula is mixed daily.
The formula should be warmed to approximately 100-102 degrees Fahrenheit, (app. 38-39 degrees Celsius). After washing hands,
the infant is held with its head between your thumb and forefinger while slowly depressing the plunger on the feeding syringe. Pay
close attention to the baby while feeding it. If it looks uncomfortable, or if you're making a mess, then you're going too fast. One hour
may be added in between feedings every week to 10 days, while slowly introducing solid foods.
Infant marmosets and tamarins cannot completely thermo regulate for the first 10 weeks of life, so keeping the baby warm is a must.
If the baby must be put down for a while, always have a surrogate, (i.e. teddy bear), available.
Diaper training and tether training are both helpful and worth the short struggle. Start getting your monkey used to this training from
infancy.
The minimum cage requirements for marmosets and tamarins are 3'L by 3'W by 4'H. If the monkey will be living mostly out of the
cage, then a cage that size would be fine, however, if the monkey will be spending more time in the cage than not, then a larger
cage will be needed.
Remember that due to the highly social nature of primates, any single monkey living in a pet scenario simply cannot be left alone for
8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Though I hate to compare monkeys with children, I will venture to do so now: Imagine the long term
psychological damage that would result from leaving a small child in a room for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.
Always keep your monkey away from unhealthy people. Any form of the herpes virus, (including chicken pox), measles, and
influenza are deadly to marmosets and tamarins.
Veterinary care:
Of course all infants will come with a health certificate from a vet. Annual physicals and preventative worming is recommended. Your
vet may recommend a vaccination schedule which some might consider superfluous. I maintain the opinion that a tetanus and rabies
shot can be given, while anything else is unnecessary. Providing your monkey gets a proper diet, and plenty of sun and exercise,
you should find no reason to visit a vet, other than for a yearly exam. Please find a vet in your area that is willing to work with
primates before getting one. You may consult my contact list for some suggested vets across the country.
Shipping information:
SHIPPING IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE, EXCEPT FOR PRIMATES OVER 6 MONTHS OF AGE. ALSO THESE
PRIMATES MUST BE SHIPPED TO A USDA LICENSED FACILITY. PEOPLE SEEKING A MONKEY FOR A
PERSONAL PET MUST PICK IT UP AT MY HOME.
****Please note all deposits are non refundable. Any exceptions will be upon my own
discretion.***
Laws concerning primate ownership from state to state: This is the most updated list I know of, however, it is your
responsibility to check on state and especially municipal laws in your area. If you find any discrepancies in my list,
please contact me.
States with no requirements for private possession of nonhuman primates: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas,
Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada (has new Legislation), North Carolina (new legislation is taking effect), North
Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin
States which require a permit: Delaware, Idaho, Michigan, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, and South Dakota.
States which ban private possession of nonhuman primates: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island,
Utah, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming.
States which have partial bans (bans on certain species of primates): Alaska, Arizona, Indiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.
States which ban certain species of nonhuman primates and require permits for others: Florida and Texas.
State which requires getting bonded to possess nonhuman primates: Hawaii
Extraordinary Animals"
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