06/02/2024
Did you know?
The family name Tenrecidae, common name Tenrecs, is a family of mammals endemic to Magagascar and parts of Africa. They occupy the same ecological niche as hedgehogs would do, and are often used as an example of convergent evolution. Tenrecs are a very diverse species, which can resemble moles, shrews, hedgehogs or Otters. Currently there are about 5 species of tenrec in the pet trade, the lesser Madagascar tenrec, common/tailless tenrec, greater Madagascar tenrec, lowland streaked tenrec, & highland streaked tenrec.
The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec is the commonly available pet tenrec. Lesser Hedgehog Tenrecs would naturally live in forests, savanna, shrubland or grassland in Madagasgar. Pet tenrecs are similar in appearance to the hedgehog, with some differences including a short spine-covered tail. Despite the name, they are actually more closely related to elephants, manatees and aardvarks than hedgehogs.
Lesser Hedgehog Tenrecs measure from 5 - 6.8 inches and typically weigh around 130-200g, they have a long snout, small beady eyes and a short spine-covered tail. Pet tenrecs have a good lifespan at between 7-10 years with the correct care.
Tenrecs do not reproduce readily in captivity, breeding only in spring so it is possible to keep a male and female pair together year-round without the risk of back-to-back litters. Gestation is 60-70 days with weaning at 3-4 weeks of age. Baby tenrecs grow very rapidly and require a great deal of food. Breeding tenrecs should only be done with extensive research and if prepared to house all young yourself separately if suitable, specialised homes cannot be found.
Tenrecs are insectivores and so this should form the majority of their diet. Items such as crickets, earthworms, locusts, mealworms, Morio worms (sometimes referred to as super giant mealworms) roaches, slugs, snails and waxworms. The remaining 10% of their diet should consist of fruits such as apricot, banana, papaya, and peaches. Other items to offer include fruit yoghurt, hard-boiled egg, pinkies and day-old chicks. It is important to supply a calcium supplement, which can be done by dusting live food and then tong-feeding to ensure you know what each tenrec is eating. A calcium supplement can also be added to their water.
We have some young little tenrecs ready for their new homes The Reptile Haven
