They are FAST!
They have TEETH!
And yes, they BITE!
BUT! The more you love them, the less the bites hurt....
They are not domestic animals. They were not bred to love you and come when you call.
They are exotic animals that are amazing to have as a pet as long as you keep your wits about you.
They are exotic animals that are amazing to have as a pet as long as you keep your wits about you.
Tenrecs have their own personalities. Of the 4 we have only Hedgwick has ever bitten. He gets annoyed and lets you know about it! The better you get to know your Tenrecs personality the faster you’ll learn to read their moods.
There have been many a time where I was holding Hedgwick and out of no where - CHOMP!
He didnt mean to hurt me... but I had just had some dinner. Or I had just fed them some worms and he makes this little face that says it all...
"But MOM!! You smell like FOOD!"
Hedgwick then proceeds to look all adorable so that he is forgiven and given more snacks!
"Mom look how cute I am! Rub my tummy."
The Girls on the other hand are an entirely different story. Since they are very new to us they are still very cautious about letting us handle them. Not to mention they are very quickly becoming VERY pregnant. They are slowly warming up to us though. Buttercup has an insatiable taste for worms and isn’t scared to ask for them! Bubbles is a bit more picky and pretty much only seems to eat cat food.
Both of the girls are very skittish and tend to hide rather than come and see what is going on. They are also older than the boys and are not likely to become as tame as they are.
Buttercup Left
Bubbles Right
Hedgwick and Bruce are the definition of tame. From coming when I open the door to check out what’s happening to running to me when I open the blankets on the bed. They have been socialised to the point of kisses and belly rubs without a fuss. (Except when there is food. Food is more important than ANYTHING ELSE!)
Basically if you are wanting to know how to hold your Tenrec and get them more accustom to you, start with picking them up. Let them sit with you on the couch under some blankets to help them feel safe. Slowly pet them.
DO NOT feed them by hand! This will teach them to associate your smell with food and you will get a good CHOMP!
Pick them up by the full of their torso or let them lie on your hand.
DO NOT pick them up by the feet or head or other extremity!
The more confident you are, the more comfortable they will be.
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