Keep and care for bush babies as pets
A viral video featuring an arguably adorable bushbaby is infectious. These unique animals have amazing jumping abilities and big eyes on their human-like faces. Many people see bush cubs (with similarly marketable names) and want to keep them as pets.
But what is it like to have a bush cub as a pet? Are they available in the pet trade?
Facts about bush babies or galagos
- Race: Galago and Otremur species (in the pet trade)
- lifespan: Legbush babies 3-4 years in the wild, about 10 years in captivity [1].Greater Bush babies can live more than 20 years in captivity [5].
- size: for small size, average length 130mm, 95-300g [1]. Graters are 297-373 mm and 2.20-4.41 lbs. [5].
- diet: Omnivorous: sap, fruit, insects, seeds, flowers, small birds [1][5].
Bush babies, also known as galagos, are small to medium-sized nocturnal primates native to the African continent. They belong to the Galata family and are not monkeys or lemurs. The commonly used name “bush baby” refers either to the cry the animal makes, or to its wide-eyed appearance.
There are many different types of bush babies, and as may be readily apparent to those who have seen bush babies in the viral video, there are significant differences in size and appearance between certain breeds.
So far, the most popular bush babies with viewers are the species of this genus. Galagothey are known as lesserbush babies, although the larger ones are more frequently found in North America and belong to the genus. Otremur (seeds are probably Otremul Garnetti), known in the United States as “Greater” Bush Babies.
- Baby giant bushes feed mainly on rubber, sap, fruit and insects. [5].
- Lesserbush babies are highly omnivorous and will eat small birds, eggs, insects (preferably grasshoppers) and gum, depending on the season. [1].
- Greater Bush babies are sexually dimorphic.males are much larger than females [5].
- Most galago mating systems are monogamous or polygamous [5].
- Bush babies are excellent jumpers.Big bush babies can jump up to 2 meters [5].
- Baby giant bushes are active 9-12 hours a day. [5].
Bush Babies in the Pet Trade
Bush babies are not popular pets in the United States, even compared to other primates. Senegalese bush baby (Galago senegalensis), a baby goat species that is the most popular lollithoid (or nocturnal prope) in zoos [8]and are sometimes kept as pets in other countries such as Japan and even in Africa. [1]Although keeping native animals is illegal in South Africa, [2].
Possibly kept as pets in the past, the species does not appear to exist in the US pet trade as of 2020, but the Greater Bush Baby does. Importing primates into the United States for the pet trade is also now illegal.
The Lesser Bush Babies and Greater Bush Babies are listed by the IUCN as being of least concern and both populations are considered to be at low risk of harm, whereas the Greater Bush Babies are vulnerable to the effects of habitat fragmentation. may receive [5]. Both species have been well studied and there is no evidence that they are harmed by the pet trade.
buy a bush baby
In the United States, Greater Bush babies generally cost around $4,000 and up as of 2020. Being a less common exotic pet, prices have risen steadily over the years, and that trend will likely continue.
The few breeders who produce bush babies also produce about 1-2 litters per litter.In addition to this, bush babies breed once a year [5].
legality
Bush babies, like other primates, are not legal in most states.
- They are clearly not legal in a state like California, which has a strict ban on most exotic mammals, including ferrets.
- It’s also illegal in most Northeastern states, including New York, Connecticut, and Maine.
- Currently legal in North Carolina, Florida (class 3 licensed), Nevada and Texas.
These may also be legal in your state listed here. Of course, the only way to be sure is to check with state officials and city, town, and neighborhood officials. Since the rules and their interpretation are constantly changing, this website cannot guarantee the legality of Exotics.
bush baby feeding
Unfortunately, there isn’t much information out there about keeping bush pups as pets, with only a few anecdotes from private owners and breeders.
Much of the formal knowledge of captive galagos is held by the Duke Lemur Center in North Carolina, which is adamantly opposed to keeping primates as pets and limits that information to certain zoos. It is
housing
As with all primates, bigger is better when it comes to housing. Because bush cubs are relatively small animals, owners can “forgo” a large macaw cage and can compensate for this by giving them plenty of playtime outside the enclosure.
One breeder prefers a ‘double macaw cage’ (this is the largest wire birdcage on the market), complete with nesting box and hammock. [3]. Fill your enclosure with different sized perches, climbing equipment, platforms and swings for added variety.
Bush babies can also be housed outdoors in spacious walk-in aviary type enclosures.Given enough time, these cages should not be openable from the inside, as these cunning primates may find a way out. [12].
feeding
Anecdotally, keepers like to feed them various combinations of fresh fruits, vegetables and commercial primate diets. These foods include gum acacia, nectar, live crickets, cat food, seeds, chick, mouse, monkey biscuits, and other primate-specific diets. [3][7][11][12].
enrichment
Enrichment can take many forms, from pet owner interactions to feeder puzzles during feeding times. The opportunities to make primate life more engaging are endless and should be prioritized.
Aside from socialization, the most enriching way for bushbabies and other primates is to extend the time they spend foraging.As food acquisition is the primary ‘work’ for wild bush cubs, simulating this may prevent boredom and promote psychological well-being. [6].
live with a bush baby
- Although it is often recommended that primates should not be kept solitary, unrelated female Lesser Bush babies have been shown to be aggressive to each other, describing the species as ‘unsociable’. It has been. [4].
- male member of the species Otremul Garnetti Usually ephemeral, solitary forgers in the wild, but females may share the same range [10].
- One breeder suggests Bush babies would benefit from cage mates [3].
- Bush cubs are nocturnal, so they become very active at night, making loud noises. [12].
maintenance
- Bush babies produce pelleted poop about the size of a rabbit. [9].
- One of the most notable behaviors of all bushbabies is performing a urine wash, which involves urinating on their hands and feet to mark their environment with odors. [10].One owner described the odor of urine as “pungent”. [9] Another person is “not very strong” [3]. People who don’t find this trait appealing should look for another pet.
Like all animals with teeth, bush babies can also chew.but no claws [3].One breeder suggests that bush babies are docile and less likely to bite. [3]another said his finger was bitten [9].
Bush baby care instructions are individualized, so prospective owners should be willing to anticipate what will happen. This means a willingness to adapt to Bush Babies as needed, such as expanding enclosures, acquiring playmates (and having the ability to separate the two if they don’t get along).
Considering the little information available about bushbabies and the fact that all primates are considered grooming animals, these exotic pets should only be managed by experienced individual owners. should be considered.
References
- Ballenger, L. 2001, “Galago Senegalensis” (Online), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed September 19, 2020 https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Galago_senegalensis/
- Animal Rehabilitation and Education Center. bush babies.
- Duncan, Ashley. bush baby. Janda Exotics.com/
- Kessler, Sharon E., Leanne T. Nash. “Galago’s grandmother senegalensis braccatus (Senegalese galago). ” African primate. 7.1 (2010): 42-49.
- Lundrigan, B. and J. Harris 2000, “Otolemur crassicaudatus” (online), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed September 19, 2020 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Otolemur_crassicaudatus/
- McCann, Colleen, et al. IPS International Guidelines for Acquisition, Care and Breeding of Non-Human Primates. International Primate Society. Available from http://www. International Primate Society. o rg/docs/IPS International Guidelines for Access Control and Breeding of Non-Human Primates, Second Edition (2007).
- Momens, Johann. senegal or lesser bush baby. 1998
- Pollock, Jonathan I. “Management of primates in captivity for conservation and research. ” Primates. Springer, New York, NY, 1986. 269-288.
- Tao, R. 2006. “Otolemur garnettii” (online), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed September 22, 2020 https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Otolemur_garnettii/
- Primate Care Sheet – Bush Babies. Primate Care A complete guide to primate ownership.
- Walker, Ken. bush baby care sheet.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. The Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for personal advisors or professional advice in business, financial, legal or technical matters.
© 2020 Melissa Smith
comment
Babesh Shah From Mumbai, September 24, 2020:
I don’t think you should keep a bush baby as a pet unless you have your own garden. Bringing these primates into concrete can be very painful.