Capuchin monkey cost

Last Updated on December 28, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Capuchin monkeys are known for their small size and are a favorite among private pet monkey owners. These monkeys can reach a size of 12 to 22 inches, having tails almost as big as their bodies. Capuchin monkeys can live for a long time in captivity. They are known to be mischievous in nature, so be prepared for this type of personality when decide to own one.

How much does a capuchin monkey cost?

Capuchin monkeys will usually cost anywhere between $5,000 and $6,000. Younger monkeys tend to cost more. The cost of friendlier specimens will be between $6,000 and $7,000. If you are going to buy an older one, you can find it for as low as $3,000 to $4,000, and this is because older capuchin monkeys get bore easily and are quite difficult to be handled in a new, unknown environment. It is always recommended to buy a monkey while it is still an infant. In this way, you will be able to train your pet and raise it as it suits you best.

If you were to want a female blackcap Capuchin, this might set you back $6,200 to $8,000, the same as the price you would usually pay for a while a female tufted Capuchin as well.  A black and white with a white face will usually cost $8,200 to $11,200.

One of the rarest specimens for this breed is the purebred that has a red cinnamon tint, which can be found for prices of as much as $9,000 to $12,500.

Additional costs of purchasing a capuchin monkey that you should be prepared for will include the monkey cage, the artificial habitat, food supplies, veterinary care, periodic vet consultations, and even diapers for the monkey.

The cost of the monkey cage

There are two types of monkey cages available on market. You may need a single one or will have to buy both of them. The first one is an indoor cage which can cost anywhere between $700 and $1,000. The second one is the outdoor cage which can cost somewhere between $1,200 and $3,000. The size and structure of the cage will contribute a lot to its cost. If you can afford the expense, you should buy both an indoor and an outdoor cage. The cost of the indoor and outdoor cages, when bought together, could range between $1,500 and $4,000.

The cost of  the habitat

Nesting boxes, branches, blankets, and toys are all included in this category. It can cost between $200 to $400 to set up a nice habitat. When you buy the monkey cage, you should also buy these products considering that they are essential to creating a proper habitat for the newly adopted pet. During the training process, these things are going to be very helpful.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a monkey in general, a finger monkey, or a lemur.

Veterinary care costs

You may need a vet for your monkey, as newly adopted capuchin monkeys can behave in a mischievous manner, which can result in injuries or other issues. Veterinary care costs depend on the vet and your location. Vets for monkeys are harder to find and can charge higher for their services.

The cost of diapers

Diapers are essential for some capuchin monkeys. They can be potty-trained with time, but some owners can go with diapers for the full life of the pet. You can get a one-month supply for about $30 to $40.

The added costs of food

In the wild capuchin monkeys will eat leaves, fruits, bugs, lizards, and stems. When they are captured, they may need somewhat of a similar diet. The monkey’s diet can reach costs that are similar to a human’s diet price. It can vary from time to time, as monkey the grows in size and with the fluctuations in prices of different food products. Always consider a healthy diet plan for your pet to avoid other health issues.

What do you need to know about these monkeys?

In the United States, the Capuchin is known as the white-faced monkey. These monkeys can be seen in many movies, playing long roles along with humans. Capuchin monkeys are mischievous in nature but can be adopted as pets and trained to behave. If these monkeys are kept in captivity since they are infants, they can get the proper training that will teach them to participate in different home activities.

These monkeys don’t waste a lot of time sleeping. They sleep once a day and only for a short time each day, and spend the whole remaining time searching for food or playing. Capuchin monkeys are very active. They are rarely good pets for longer time periods. As they get older, they tend to be more and more frustrated and angrier.

Capuchin monkeys are among the most desired pets for private pet monkey owners, but it is a fact that capuchin monkeys rarely prove to be the best ones to keep as pets. They are highly intelligent. They could be trained in a short period of time, but their mischievous behavior can cause many problems as well.

Try to purchase this type of monkey, when it is still an infant so that you can train it according to your needs. As they get older, they will be harder and harder to train. They can get bored easily and could be dangerous when they are angry.

Capuchin monkeys are very active in nature. When you keep them in a cage, they can get many serious health issues. This means that you must be prepared for veterinary support, and have a separate budget prepared for health issues related to your pet.

How can I save money?

When you decide to adopt a pet, you will have to be prepared to spend money in two ways. First, you will have to pay a price when you buy it and then, you have to spend money periodically as long as you keep raising it.

If you buy a pet with a friendlier personality, which is young and supportive, then you will usually have to pay more for it. If you find one with opposite personality traits, you may have to pay less.

The other way of saving money is by finding the best alternatives for periodic expenses. For example, properly training your pet instead of constantly using diapers will help you save some money. Providing it with healthy leaves and fresh food will also enable you to spend less by avoiding any health issues.