Full Grown Macaque Monkey: Size, Appearance, Price & More

Macaque monkeys make fascinating pets, but they require a lot of care, space, and expertise to properly raise. This guide covers everything you need to know about macaques at their full grown size and maturity level.

We'll discuss their physical traits, personality changes, care needs, costs and more. By the end, you'll be well-informed on whether a fully grown macaque is the right pet for your home and lifestyle.

Size at Full Growth

Most macaque species reach their full size between 3-5 years old. On average, a fully grown macaque will be:

• Length: 20-24 inches from head to tail
• Height: 12-16 inches at the shoulder
• Weight: 6-12 pounds for females, 10-20 pounds for males

The bigger macaque species like the bonnet macaque and crab-eating macaque can reach up to 25 inches in length and weigh over 20 pounds at full growth. No matter the species, macaques have strong, dexterous bodies well-suited for climbing trees.

Appearance at Full Growth

Physically, macaques undergo some changes as they reach maturity:

• Coat thickens and gains luster
• Facial features like eyebrows and nose bridge develop fully
• Canine teeth enlarge and sharpen for defense
• Musculature fills out, making them powerfully built
• Genitals and secondary sex characteristics fully develop

Males also develop manes or crests on their necks/heads. Colors vary by species but common hues are brown, gray, black. Facial expressions also gain more subtlety as they mature.

Personality at Full Growth

While still highly social and intelligent, macaques' temperaments change significantly as adults:

• Dominance hierarchies form - males jockey for alpha status
• Aggression increases to establish rank through threats/fights
• Maternal instincts kick in for female troops and pairs bond
• Playfulness lessens, replaced by serious territorial/mating behaviors
• Independent problem-solving skills peak during adulthood

Bonding strongly with one handler is critical for taming an adult macaque. Their wild survival drives intensify at full maturity.

Price of a Fully Grown Macaque

Purchasing a macaque that has already reached full growth can easily cost thousands due to their training and specialized care needs:

• Basic pet macaque (Bonnet, Tonkean): $5,000 - $8,000
• Rarer species: $10,000+
• Show quality/pedigreed: $15,000 - $25,000

Adult macaques also often require rehoming fees on top of the purchase price if acquired from a sanctuary or rescue. Plan to budget heavily for a mature monkey companion.

Food and Feeding

The daily diet of a fully grown macaque should consist of:

• Fresh fruits - 50% of diet. Berries, melon, citrus.
• Vegetables - 25%. Leafy greens, carrots, sweet potatoes.
• monkey chow or biscuits - 15%. A pelleted primate diet.
• Protein - 10%. Hard-boiled eggs, nuts, insects, lean meat.

Feed several small meals throughout the day versus one big sitting. Provide dry food through puzzle feeders to stimulate foraging behaviors. Fresh water should always be available.

Lifespan of a Fully Grown Macaque

On average, macaques live 15-20 years in human care when given excellent vet care, nutrition and safe housing. Some individuals can survive into their late 20s. As they age past 15, owners should watch for signs of:

• Slowing metabolism - May need diet adjustments
• Stiffness or arthritis - Provide soft bedding, supplements
• Minor dental issues - Seasonal cleanings
• Slower wound healing - Be especially careful

With diligent eldercare, aging macaques can live comfortably into their "golden years" as beloved, senior family members.

Health at Full Growth

Some potential health issues adult macaques may face include:

• Dental decay - Twice yearly cleanings by an exotic vet dentist
• Obesity - Manage diet and provide exercise opportunities
• gastrointestinal parasites - regular fecal testing and deworming
• Respiratory infections - Quick vet care if sneezing or coughing
• Skin issues like mites or fungus - Topical treatments as needed

Comprehensive yearly checkups catch problems early. Purchase pet insurance to help cover unexpected vet bills for an aging monkey.

Care and Nutrition Needs at Maturity

Once macaques are fully grown, proper husbandry focuses on:

• Spacious, securely caged indoor/outdoor living space - Minimum 20 square feet per animal indoors plus daily outdoors time
• Complex enrichment - Foraging puzzles, toys, changeable cage furnishings
• Social interaction - Allow peaceful mingling if kept communally or regular human socialization
• Exercise program - Balance of climbing and physical challenge daily
• Regular grooming - Trim nails, check coats and skin, brush teeth
• Mental stimulation - Training sessions using positive reinforcement

With sufficient care from knowledgeable owners, macaques can adapt happily to indoor palace life at maturity.

Cost of Keeping a Fully Grown Pet Macaque

Here's a rough monthly budget to consider for a pet macaque that has reached adulthood:

• $300-600/month on fresh, varied food
• $100-200/month on enrichment items
• $200-400/month on large habitat space rental or modification
• $50-100/month on supplements and medicines
• $100-300/month towards emergency vet funds
• $150+/month for training/socialization classes
• $30-50/month on grooming and hygiene products

Plan for an additional $1000-2000 per year on vet care, annual exams, vaccinations and any surgeries or procedures. The costs rise with maturity but so does the investment into your pet.

Possible Behavioral Changes at Maturity

Be prepared for some potential shifts in behavior as macaques hit adulthood:

• Dominance testing - Establishing rank through subtle threats or posturing towards owners
• Sexual maturity - Hormonal urges to mate and masturbatory behaviors
• Aggression spikes - Particularly during breeding cycles or toward same-sex macaques
• Territoriality - Defending their turf more intensely if housed communally
• Less affectionate - Want more space and independence versus youthful clinginess
• Moodiness - Possible irritability or changes in bond depending on individual

Patience, positive training and hormonal contraceptives help manage adult monkey attitudes. They can still be loving companions.

Notable Characteristics of Fully Grown Macaques (Continued)

In summary, here are some of the most notable characteristics to expect from a macaque that has reached full maturity:

• Physically fully developed size, musculature and secondary sex traits
• Sharpened survival instincts such as predatory behaviors, territoriality and dominance hierarchies
• More nuanced and intense facial expressions and communication skills
• Established intelligence and independent problem-solving at their cognitive peak
• Potential changes in bond strength/affection levels depending on individual monkey
• Sexual maturity means new hormonal cycles and mating/masturbatory urges
• Dominance testing of owners may occur as they learn their abilities
• Adults require highly specialized care, housing, training and management

While this article gives you a good overview, the true personalities and needs of individual monkeys will vary. Do thorough research on the macaque species and consider working with an exotic pet counselor before bringing home a fully grown monkey.

Are Mature Monkeys Right For You?

In conclusion, adopting an adult macaque is an advanced responsibility requiring substantial experience, time, space and finances. Key factors to evaluate include:

• Do you have the skills/certification to handle a mature, powerful primate?
• Is your home appropriately secure for an intelligent, strong monkey?
• Can you commit many hours each day to care, socialization and enrichment?
• Are you prepared for lifecycle vet costs as they enter geriatric stages?
• Will your lifestyle accommodate their needs long-term for 20+ years?

If you feel ready for this major commitment, consider rescuing a monkey in need versus purchasing directly. With the right owner preparedness, older macaques can settle happily and live out the rest of their lives being loved and well cared for.