Breeders will always be there, nobody will ever change that! As far back as history goes, man always lived with pets - even exotics. Since there are breeders and there is no way that anyone is going to stop them, why not concentrate more on the actions of breeders and the people who purchase their animals? Do they truly care about the primates they are breeding, do they place them in homes that are proper for them, do they tell people the facts about the primates they are placing before they sell it to them? Are they interested in the welfare of the animal or is it the money or making a name for themselves that matters most? Do the people purchasing the animal know the proper care of that species, can they afford the vet care and housing requirements, why are they purchasing this type of animal?
Since people will always purchase primates, no matter how much anyone tries to talk them out of it, why not concentrate on educating owners and potential owners? That is a goal I set for myself, to aide primate owners and to educate potential owners about primate ownership. I try to answer peoples' questions about all aspects of owning a primate and if I can't answer the question, I direct them to someone who can answer either out of experience or expertise. I am still a beginner with juvenile primates, but I am willing to share what I have learned and experienced.
1. I always try to buy directly from a
breeder instead of going through a broker, this way you can obtain more information about
your primate and learn more about it's history, you know exactly where it came from. Most
brokers don't give you alot of this information that might be useful should the animal
ever get sick.
Potential owners: Be aware that you might be told many falsehoods in order to get you to
purchase the primate, know who you are dealing with, ask alot of questions!
2. Is the breeder USDA licensed? This is a must, it protects you and the primate and it is also the law.
3. If the breeder will ship the primate, unescorted before the age of 8 weeks, find another breeder! I feel that shipping a primate before that age is dangerous to their health and if the primate gets delayed somewhere, nobody will feed it - ask the airline and they will confirm this. If you have to ship, find the fastest way possible.
4. Does the breeder answer all your
questions truthfully such as the age of the primate, how to care for it and what might
happen if it is not cared for properly? Do they mention that it can get aggressive when it
matures and that it probably will not 'bond' with your human children? Do they mention
that primates in pairs normally do better than single pet primates? Do they mention the
responsibility, money and time it takes to nurture a primate?
If not, find another breeder!
Potential owners: Educate yourself before the fact, learn about diseases, care and diet of
the type of primate you would like to purchase - if possible, spend time at someone's
house that owns a primate and observe their care and needs. Again, ask questions.
5. Is the breeder pushing the sale or do
they say that maybe you should go home and think about it a while longer?
Potential owners: If the breeder is pushing the sale, you can assume that they are only
concerned about money and not the wellbeing of the primate or you. Take your time in
deciding, remember, this is possibly a 35-45 year commitment!
6. Is there any type of guarantees? If it
is a genetic guarantee you have found a good breeder, not too many offer them anymore. Do
they guarantee that the primate is healthy....do they honestly take it to the vet for a
health checkup before you take possession? If it is a guarantee that the primate you might
purchase will wait on you and entertain you the rest of your life and could possibly
become a movie star - laugh and walk away!
Potential owner: Genetic guarantees are a plus and health certificates should come with
the primate. Primates have a mind of their own, some are successful at learning tricks and
some are not. Do you have the patience and time to train the primate or do you have the
money to have a professional do it?
7. Does the breeder ask you questions? If
a breeder doesn't ask you about why you want a primate and how you plan to raise it, do
you think they honestly care about the welfare of the primate or you?
Potential owners: A responsible breeder cares!
8. Does the breeder mention cage
requirements and talk to you about psychological welbeing needs?
Potential owners: If you cannot meet these needs, you will not have a healthy, happy
monkey no matter what anyone tells you! Primates need space and toys and your time.
9. Try to deal with a breeder that you have heard good things about from previous buyers. Be very careful, it's sad but there are alot of scams going on out there! Be weary of breeders that want all the money upfront.
10. Always try to buy in person so you can see exactly what it is that you are buying. If you can't do that, try to have the breeder escort the animal to you, it will cost you more, but it is well worth it. If they will do that, they care about the primate and where it is going and you can refuse delivery if something is wrong (age, health, etc) You will be out the airfare, but you will not be stuck with a primate that was misrepresented to you.
1. Educate yourself about the type of
primate you want, before the fact.
2. Have all of your primate's needs available before it's arrival. (food,
cages, etc.)
3. Ask everyone questions...breeders, vets, experts and reputable
foundations.
4. Find a vet that treats primates before you purchase one - this is very
important!
5. Find people in your area that own primates and ask if you can visit a
couple of times.
6. Take your time about deciding to buy a primate, consider all the pros
and cons.
7. Check out all the information you get from anyone. Any false
information could lead to disaster for you and your primate!
8. Read everything you can get your hands on about primates!
9. Don't purchase a primate for a companion for a child or as a
substitute child.
10. And last but not least, continue to educate yourself after you get
your primate, the Internet is a great place to start!
I hope this helps potential owners in their search for a primate. If you do decide to get one I wish you luck and many years of happiness together. I can't stress enough how important it is to educate yourself before you get your primate and for the sake of both of you, continue that education for the life of your primate.