CAPUCHIN MONKEY BASIC INFORMATION AND DIET
(Cebus apella, capucinus, nigrivittatus, albifrons) The species are diurnal. They are not seasonal breeders. Average weight of an adult ranges from 2 - 4 kg (males larger) Locomotory pattern is quadrupedal walking and leaping. Adults in the wild frequently make jumps of approximately 3 meters. Social structure is non-monogamous and non-solitary Group size varies around 10-35 individuals, average around 15-20 Number of adult males within one group is >=1. Males transfer between groups. Individuals transfer between groups after 2-5 yrs of age. Intergroup encounters are not tolerant. All capuchins live in dense habitat. They are arboreal and usually sleep on a branch. They do not build nests. Food: fruits, leaves, insects, small animals. Some eat oysters, crabs, bark and gum, nuts, seeds, flowers. (from: Griede, T. Guidelines for adequate housing and care of non-human primates in zoos. Natl Fndation for Research in Zoological Gardens, POB 20164, 1000 HD Amsterdam, 1989) DIET For 1 animal 2-3 lb animal. Increase portions proportionately for increased body weight. Do not overfeed. Monkeys waste a lot of food if excess is given and may overindulge which can lead to bloating. Fruits and veggies should be cut into pieces appropriate for the monkey's small hands. New World Monkey Chow can be soaked in Marmoset jelly or fruit juice. Moist foods can be sprinkled with a vitamin mineral powder such as Vionate. (approx 1/4 tsp per animal per day). Food should be offered at set times of the day. A.M. 1-3 oz canned primate diet (cut in small pieces) Zupreem, Science Diet 10-12 pieces of soaked New World Monkey Biscuit (Mazuri, Spectrum, Purina, etc.) or can be offered dry up 1/3 cup depending on size of the monkey. Soaking in fruit juice may increase palatability during conversion from poor diets. P. M. M-W-F 1/8 apple 2 slices of banana 1/2'd 2 grapes 1/2'd 1 TBS diced orange 1/2 slice sweet potato (chopped) 1 1/2 TBS lettuce mix* (Romaine, cabbage, & celery) 4 primate biscuits (soaked in orange juice/mjelly) 8 peanuts 1 TBS sunflower seeds 1" piece of carrot - chopped 1/8 slice of whole wheat bread cubed 4 snow peas TU-TH-SA-SU 2 slices of banana 1/2'd 1 TBS diced orange green beans cut 1/4 hard boiled egg with shell (cut up) 1 TBS corn (thawed frozen or fresh) 5 peanuts 1 TBS sunflower seeds 1 heaping TBS avocado few sprigs of parsely 1 heaping TBS black-eyed peas (shelled) 1/2 slice turnip 1 oz canned primate diet (cut in small pieces) 4 primate biscuits (soaked in fruit juice or M.jelly) 1/4 slice whole wheat bread cubed occasional cricket (cricket shold be dusted in vionate) as a treat. Some will really enjoy this, others won't know what to do with it. Other meats such as cooked fish, chicken, turkey, beef are sometimes enjoyed. Offer teaspoon-sized portions. Minimize intake of human sweets, dessert foods, milk products, carbohydrates and fats. It is ok to give the monkey one human children's vitamin tablet 2 - 3 X a week. Avoid foods which have been enriched with iron such as fortified cereals. Other treats occassionally: soaked raisins, other types of fruit - portion of treat/day should be less than 1 teaspoon in volume! * Lettuce mix ingredients are placed in a chopper and mixed. Use long and thin pieces.
URL: http://www.primate.wisc.edu/pin/capuchin.html
Page last modified:
February 15, 2002
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