Start With the Basics!

  BASIC INFORMATION

The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec (Echinops Telfairi) is a small, stout-bodied animal which many people confuse with Hedgehogs. There are a total of 34 species of Tenrec most of which are exclusively found on Madagascar, with some species being found on other islands in the Indian Ocean neighbouring Madagascar. 

During the course of the last decade Tenrecs started to enter the exotic pet market and whilst they have gained in popularity during this period there is still not a tremendous amount of literature available on these curious little animals. The most common species in pet market is the Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec, the Common (Tailless) Tenrec, Streaked Tenrecs (These are still quite rare).

  DIET  

 Tenrecs are Insectivores; feeding primarily off of worms and other smaller insects in the wild. They are also partial to fruit. In
captivity, it is important to ensure you provide your animal with a varied diet. 

 It should be noted that Tenrecs can be quite fussy eaters, and will often take some time to "warm up" to certain foods whilst some remain fussy indefinitely. 

 Below is a list of the most common foods Tenrecs have been shown to enjoy. It is best to provide access to a high quality (small sized cat kibble) and preferably live worms, (freeze dried worms can be used but are not best as a primary source). 

 It is also VERY NECESSARY to supplement with reptile calcium and D3, especially for pregnant females. Calcium deficiency is one of the most common health issues with these animals as their natural diet is not rich in calcium. 

CALCIUM DEFICIENCY CAN LEAD TO DEATH.    

• Super Worms (live) 
•  Meal Worms (live and flash frozen) 
•  Crickets (live) 
•  Cat Food (Iams Kitten Food)
•  Egg 
•  Boiled, unseasoned Chicken and Minced Beef
•  Fruit and Vegetables (Various) 
•  Purity (Baby Food, Stick to fruit or veg flavours) 
•  Various other species of worms (Wax, Phoenix, Morio)

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Tenrecs require climbing apparatus and exercise. They are natural foragers and thus require their food to be close to the ground and accessible. Here is a list of the things you will need in your cage and to interact with your Tenrec. 

•  Wheel - Large

• 4 Shallow Bowls (2 in the Cage, 2 in the Wash) - For Dried Worms, Cat Kibble and Prepared Food

• 2 Steep Bowls per Tenrec (1 in the Cage, 1 in the Wash) - For Live Worms. They can fight over live worms so a Steep bowl of Live worms per Tenrec is best.

• 1 Water Bowl (Minimum) - Change water at least 3 times a week.

• Various Plants and Logs - As Obstacles

• Substrate - We use Amazing Corn Cob pieces. They are in most exotic pet shops. Alternately Peach Pip shards, Wood Shaving and Bark Pieces are also suitable. (Getting an Odour Eliminator can also be handy if they are a little smelly. Just remember to take them out of the cage before spraying it)

• Hides and Bedding - Very important to have small and medium hiding places for your Tenrec as they hide away in the day to sleep. They will curl up in their favourite Hide most of the time. Get a small hand held flash light to help locate them in the dark corners. (If your Tenrec is hiding behind the Hide then try to turn the entrance to the back so they feel less exposed. Also place a soft material for them to sleep on. We use 12cmx12cm squares of fleece blanket. Change the soft bedding as you change the water. A dirty bed can promote mite infestations that strip Tenrec quills and irritate their skin badly.)

• Sand Bath - Chinchilla Sand is best! Sand Baths are for their skin to stay healthy. Tenrecs typically have dry skin. Sand baths allow them to exfoliate this skin. (Water baths are not common but if your Tenrec has had an accident or is particularly smelly you can put them in a basin of SHALLOW water and wash them with hypo-allergenic baby soap, avoiding the face completely. Make sure all soap is rinsed off. After this apply Coconut oil to their belly, feet and quills once they are dry and calm.)

• Heat Pad and Heat Regulator - Possibly the most important and costly piece of hardware you will have to purchase. Heat sources are vital for cold winter nights as Tenrecs go into Torpor hibernation. Normally their winter temps should stay above 20C and below 25C. Cold winter night can result in respirator infections or death in extreme cases. You can decide what is best for you between a heat pad or heat lamp, both provide safe constant heat. (We put our Heat pads under their favourite hides and the thermostat right next to the hide door. The regulator keeps the ambient temp in this range (20C-23C) and the Tenrec stays nice and comfy all winter.)

• Bonding Bag - As seen in the picture, this is a pouch for your Tenrec to snuggle in if you are relaxing with them. Some people prefer to keep them snuggled up in their shirt or just on top of a blanket but often times they are calmer and more relaxed in a bonding bag. Also useful if your Tenrec is new to you and in a biting mood. This allows for a safe way to handle it.