What do you know about bush babies? Most people have never even heard of them before! Bush babies are small, adorable creatures that make great pets. They are native to Africa and flourishes in warm climates. If you’re thinking of adding a bush baby to your family, read on for more information about these fascinating animals.
Keeping and Caring for Bush Babies as Pets
Bush babies, or galagos, are cute, furry little animals that look like a cross between a monkey and a teddy bear. They are quick and agile, with large eyes that help them see in the dark. Bush babies are native to Africa, where they live in forests and woodlands. Due to their increasing popularity as pets, however, bush babies are now found all over the world. While they make charming companions, bush babies require a special diet and care regimen that can be difficult to maintain. In addition, bush babies are wild animals that do not do well in captivity. As a result, many bush babies that are kept as pets end up being abandoned or neglected. For these reasons, it is important to think carefully before deciding to keep a bush baby as a pet.
Read More: Do Finger Monkeys Make Good Pets?
Facts About Bush Babies
If you’re considering getting a bush baby as a pet, it’s important to know a few things about these animals first.
- Bush babies are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. During the day, they sleep in trees or other hiding places.
- Bush babies are very curious and playful, but can also be nippy when scared or startled.
- They are also experts at camouflage and will often hide from predators by curling up into a tiny ball.
- Bush babies are small animals, with adults reaching an average length of 10-12 inches (including the tail).
- They have large eyes, long tails, and furry bodies. Bush babies come in a variety of colors, including brown, gray, red, and white.
Bush Babies in the Pet Trade
Although bush babies are not popular pets in the United States, they are sometimes owned as pets in other countries such as Japan and often in Africa. The Senegal bush baby (Galago senegalensis), a lesser bush baby species that is the most popular lorisoid (or nocturnal prosimian) in zoos, is one of the bush baby species that is sometimes kept as a pet. Bush babies are not easy to care for and require specialized care; therefore, they are not recommended as pets for most people. In addition, because they are wild animals, they may carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. If you are considering a bush baby as a pet, please do your research to make sure you can provide the proper care for this animal.
Buying a Bush Baby
In the United States, a greater bush baby generally costs around $4000+ as of 2020. Being less common exotic pets, their price has risen steadily over the years and that trend will most likely continue.
Legality
Bush babies, also known as galagos, are small primates that are native to Africa. While they are legal in some states, the majority of states prohibit their ownership. There are several reasons for this.
- First, bush babies can be very aggressive, even biting their owners.
- They also require a specialized diet and environment, which can be difficult to provide.
- Finally, bush babies are wild animals and do not do well in captivity.
As a result, it is generally best to leave them in their natural habitat.
Read More: A Guide to Caring and Legally Owning for a Pet Otter
Country where it has legal
The United States does not currently have any federal laws regulating the ownership of exotic animals.
However, each state has its own laws and regulations regarding the ownership of bush babies.
Some states, such as Alabama, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming prohibit the ownership of bush babies as pets.
Other states, such as Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Texas require a permit or license to own a bush baby.
And finally, some states have no laws regarding the ownership of bush babies.
Before you decide to purchase a bush baby, be sure to check your state and local laws to see if it is legal to own one where you live.
Housing
When it comes to housing bush babies, size definitely matters. These small primates need plenty of space to explore and play, and a large cage is often the best way to provide this. However, owners should also make sure to give their bush baby plenty of time outside of the enclosure. This can be done by setting up a special play area or simply taking the animal out for some supervised free time each day. By giving their bush baby ample opportunity to explore and play, owners can help ensure that these playful little creatures stay happy and healthy.
Read More: The Rarest Exotic Cats That Are Kept as Pets
Maintenance
Bush babies are very active and need plenty of space to run, jump, and play. A large cage is essential, and it should be filled with plenty of toys and climbing structures. Bush babies also like to chew, so owners should provide them with plenty of chew toys to prevent them from chewing on their cage or other objects in the home.
In addition, bush babies need a diet that is high in protein and fat. This can be provided by feeding them a commercial primate diet or by giving them a diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and insects. Bush babies also need access to fresh water at all times.
