So Many Questions.... so little time.... but so much love

As described in our profile, Chance is the newest addition to our family,(after the youngest left for college, of course)

When Chance arrived he was three months old, and the length of my hand. He still has the same features and coloring that he did back then. Now he wears 3 to 6 month size infant bibs.

Now it has been 16 months of learning...... and that learning goes both ways. Us about him and his personality and him regarding what is expected of him and proper behavior. Pretty much just like his counterpart the 2 year old toddler. Just as with humans, Chance tests boundaries, gets "clingy"towards one parent or another, and has temper tantrums when told NO. He test everything in his mouth first. And is a magnet for getting into things that he shouldn't!!!

Monkey Basic's
Chance will live 50 to 75 years with good health maintance. He is a Capuchin Monkey, of the New World species. Having a Monkey as a pet is not for the whimsical person. Monkey's are high maintance, just like having a baby. He needs a vet that has knowledge and is willing to treat them. They need to come from a reputable breeder, who is willing to educate and provide proper documentation. There is no "how to" book for having a monkey as a pet, I've learned that the hard way. There are web sites, and "groups" but none that I have found that give consistent guidance and advice. As one "Monk" owner told me "you have to find what works for you". Which it has been a test of trial and error and watching.

Once a reputable breeder is located, and you can find a primate vet, then you need to check state and city ordnances to see if there are any restrictions for exotic / primate. I have gone down this trail the hard way, almost backwards come to think of it..... but i have had so many questions posed to me, and I LOVE to educate others, because I LOVE this little guy so much!!!

Serious Commitment

Chance is an active part of our family. He requires a baby sitter, diaper changes, he gets diaper rash, he can't have honey, he takes a bottle twice a day (still at 19 months, I worry about him getting enough nutrition). When he was younger he took two naps a day, now he takes one on the way home from work. He sleeps all night, but he is hyper vigilant at night, wakes for EVERYTHING, so he now sleeps in a pet carrier by the side of our bed, full of his soft fuzzy blankets and stuffy pets. He has an enclosed stroller so he can go shopping with me, he goes to work with us, where he has huge cages full of toys, swings, and hammock. Chance is very social. He remembers everyone, and is a pretty good judge of character. He has his favorites!

Chance is good at "sharing" and entertaining himself, as long as he can see someone. He HATES to be left alone. I pack a baby bag for the day with diapers, change of clothes, and lunch.

Chance eats better when he eats with us, what ever we eat, he eats. I try to steer clear of carrots and grapes because of the high sugar content, the high incidence of diabetes in primates. Chance loves shrimp, chicken, and peas, snow peas and green beans! (anything the parrots like, he has to have as well).

After a while you get to know his cries and what they mean, whether he is thirsty, or lonely, and just answering back, because he heard him name said.