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

Squirrel monkeys make entertaining and affectionate pets, but they require a big commitment as they live for over 20 years. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about what to expect from a fully grown squirrel monkey.

Size at Full Growth

On average, fully grown squirrel monkeys reach the following sizes:

• Length: 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) from head to tail, not including the tail
• Height: 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) when standing upright
• Tail length: Around 18 inches (45 cm)

Males tend to be slightly larger than females overall. While they may continue filling out slightly beyond sexual maturity, squirrel monkeys reach about 90% of their adult size by 2-3 years old.

Weight at Full Growth

The typical weight range for an adult squirrel monkey is:

• Males: 0.75-1.25 lbs (350-550 g)
• Females: 0.5-1 lb (225-450 g)

On average, fully grown males weigh 1-1.1 lbs (450-500 g) and females weigh around 0.75 lbs (350 g). Their trim build and light frame allow them to be highly agile climbers.

Appearance at Full Growth

Here are some key details about a squirrel monkey's appearance once fully grown:

• Coat color ranges from light gray to buff or reddish brown
• Facial masking is black around eyes and nose
• Tail is longer than their body and prehensile for grasping
• Ears are small and rounded
• Fingers and toes have hooked nails for gripping trees

While coat color may darken slightly with age, their distinct facial patterns and physical traits do not significantly change past sexual maturity.

Personality at Full Growth

Squirrel monkeys tend to calm down in temperament as they reach full maturity. However, their playful and energetic nature generally remains:

• Highly social - live in large troops and form close bonds
• Curious and intelligent problem solvers
• Enjoy manipulation toys and foraging for treats
• Bond strongly to one caregiver but get along with others
• Can learn verbal cues and simple behaviors
• Remain very agile climbers and leapers well into old age

With the right housing, care, and daily interaction, squirrel monkeys over 15 years old still show signs of youthful spirit and engagement.

Price

Expect to pay between $8,000-$15,000 USD for a licensed squirrel monkey breeder to purchase a young monkey. As with dogs and other pets, certain desirable traits like temperament or rarity can affect price.

Adult squirrel monkeys available for adoption from sanctuaries may have lower or waived adoption fees depending on the organization's policies. However, adopting an adult monkey still requires the same long-term care commitment.

Food/Feeding

In the wild, squirrel monkeys consume fruits, seeds, insects, bird eggs and sometimes small vertebrates. A balanced diet for a pet monkey should emulate their natural diet as closely as possible:

• Commercial monkey food - powder or pellet form specifically formulated for their needs
• Select fruits like bananas, oranges, berries, and melon
• Vegetables such as carrots, green beans, broccoli, sweet potatoes
• Protein supplements like hard-boiled eggs or boiled chicken
• Treats can include unsalted nuts, seeds, dried insects, low-sugar cereals

Feed 1-3 times daily and provide fresh water at all times. Monitor weight and make diet adjustments as needed in senior years.

Lifespan

With excellent lifelong care including vet checkups, dental care, and cage hygiene, squirrel monkeys have an average lifespan of 20-25 years in captivity. Some individuals have been known to live into their late 20s.

As they reach their late teens and beyond, additional senior care may be needed including specialized diets, monitoring for arthritis, and addressing any age-related health issues promptly.

Health at Full Growth

Here are some common health considerations for a fully mature squirrel monkey:

• Dental health - their teeth continue growing, so annual checkups are required
• Arthritis - joint supplements may help prevent mobility issues
• Diabetes/obesity risks if overfed
• Cataracts - eye drops can treat early signs
• Zoonotic disease screening - prevent transmission to humans

Annual wellness exams are highly recommended to monitor any changes and treat concerns proactively.

Care and Nutritional Needs

Housing considerations for an adult monkey include:

• Large indoor/outdoor enclosure - minimum of 10'x10'x10' tall
• Multiple anchor points for climbing, lounging and toys
• Swings or perches for aerial play when free-ranging
• Hiding places like covered resting shelves
• Temperature control between 70-80°F

Other daily requirements are 12-16+ hours companion time, thorough cleaning to maintain hygiene standards, and ongoing mental stimulation activities.

Costing

In addition to the initial purchase price, expect to budget at least $500-1000 per year for a fully grown squirrel monkey's ongoing care costs including:

• Veterinary care - exams, vaccines, tests, procedures
• Supplies - enclosure, food, toys, bedding, cleaning items
• Companion time - potentially a second monkey's expenses too
• Unexpected costs - surprise veterinary bills or repairs

Proper housing and diligent daily husbandry requires a major long-term financial commitment.

Possible Behavioral Changes

As squirrel monkeys mature fully into adulthood, some shifts in their behavior may occur:

• Less playfulness and more sedentary activities preferred
• Bond attachment to caregiver strengthens and they can feel separation anxiety
• Could become more protective or possessive of territory/food
• Might groom themselves less frequently and rely more on caretaker's aid
• Changes in dominance or aggression levels within social group

Patience, positive reinforcement training and consistency help smooth any transitions in their behavior.

Notable Characteristics

Some other memorable traits of fully grown squirrel monkeys include:

• Prehensile tail used for balance, hanging and transporting small items
• Distinctive facial patterns that do not fade with age
• Agile climbing skills and high jumps even into their late teens/20s
• Intelligent minds that stay mentally engaged through enriching activities
• Close social bonds and complex communication amongst their troop family unit
• Captivating to watch as they forage, play, groom and explore their environment

Other Considerations

Before committing to a squirrel monkey, especially an adult one, consider the following:

• Required long-term care commitment of 15-25+ years
• High level of interaction and socialization needs every day
• Potential aggression issues if neglected or poorly socialized
• Strict permits and regulations that may differ by state/region
• Specialized veterinary care needs with limited exotic vet options
• Transporting safely in vehicles requires specialized carrier
• Potential noise or destruction if stressed or understimulated

Squirrel monkeys are extremely intelligent, but also prone to stress-related illnesses if needs are not met. They require lifelong commitment from a responsible, experienced owner with the means to provide state-of-the-art care.

Is a Full Grown Squirrel Monkey Right for You?

In summary, while rewarding, a mature squirrel monkey is not a pet for everyone. Consider your lifestyle, resources and long-term ability to care for their needs with guidance from an exotic vet. Key factors include:

• Being home at least 12 hours a day for companionship and attention
• Constructing a very large secure enclosure for play and privacy
• Affording $500-1000 annual expenses plus unexpected vet bills
• Obtaining all required permits for private ownership
• Providing appropriate mental, social and physical stimulation daily
• Being committed to at least 15-25+ years of care

Their intelligence, personableness and capacity for love make them incredibly special, so be certain you can give them a permanent, enriched home life. When cared for properly, fully grown squirrel monkeys can continue bringing years of joy.