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Marmosets and Tamarins, collectively known as "callitrichids" are charming
New World monkeys that dwell within the rain forest canopy of Central and South America.
They are among the smallest members of the monkey family, usually weighing around 1 pound.
They require a lot of attention. You should only purchase for a pet an animal
that has been bottle fed and handled properly at an early age.
Callitrichids will have a " favorite person" and will develop a definite dislike of anyone
who teases or mistreats him. They sleep all night and are very active during the day.
The minimum cage for an adult is 3'x3'x5' high with 1"x 1" ( or smaller) galvanized wire. In semitropical climates they can live outdoors as long as supplemental heat is provided if temperatures drop below 50-60*F. If housed indoors, full spectrum lighting ( available in pet store) should be used.
Provide branches for climbing and a wooden perch for chewing.
Provide a secluded place to sleep in the evening, such as a bird nest box or ferret sleeping bag.
Provide a variety of toys and rotate frequently to prevent boredom. If you are gone all day, they enjoy watching TV or being placed near a window to watch outdoor activity.
Hang an 8oz. water bottle on outside of cage. Tamarins do enjoy sitting in a bowl of water in warm weather.
A balanced diet is extremely important. The mainstay is canned marmoset diet ( i use Zupreem) which has high levels of D3 required by callitrichids. This along with New World primate biscuits should be fed free choice daily and consist of at least 30% of their diet. Other daily foods should include at least two fruits and two vegetables daily. Additionally add two or three of the following each day: pasta, cereal, whole wheat bread, cottage cheese, yogurt, egg, chicken or tuna. Variety is important. Crickets, mealworms or wax worms make great treats.
Callitrichids eating a varied diet should also receive a small piece of children's chewable multivitamin several times a week. Supplemental vitamins are a daily essential!
Vitamin C: 1/4 of a chewable vitamin C tablet or some orange juice or citrus juice.
To ensure adequate calcium consumption and to prevent metabolic bone disease, offer 1/4 to 1/2 of a fruit flavored Tums antacid tablet several times a week.
It is impossible to house break callitrichids. They follow a bathroom routine, usually going to the same location. Simply change the paper under the perch where the monkey eliminates. They are too small to successfully diaper.
Callitrichids do "scent mark" their territory. This will not be changed by spaying or neutering, nor will it improve the quality of your pet.
Callitrichids are susceptible to many human diseases and virus and can be potentially fatal. Do not let sick people near your pet. Sick animals should be seen by a vet experienced in their care ASAP.
Life span for marmosets is 12 years; for tamarins it is17 years.
Anyone selling, breeding or exhibiting callitrichids should be licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). You do not need an USDA license to keep a callitrichids; this is only necessary for anyone who sells these monkeys. Local, county, or state laws, however, may prohibit private individuals from owning monkeys. It is imperative that you check your local branch of the Department of Fish and Game to determine any possible legal ramifications.