Please continue to do further research on these animals as they are an exotic species and information is always changing.

Scientific Name: Echinops telfairi
Lifespan: 5-7 years in captivity
Size: 5-9 inches Weight: 175-350 grams

Bringing Home a Madagascar Greater Tenrec

• Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 70°F to 80°F.
• Humidity: Keep humidity around 40-60%. A hygrometer can help monitor this.

Enclosure:

• All enclosures must be escape proof and free from any cracks that these animals may squeeze through. They are top tier escape artists.
• Critter Nation
• Custom-made enclosure with a solid bottom- avoid wooden enclosures
• Wire cages with a solid bottom- only approved if covered with panels to prevent climbing and keep in heat
• Vision Cages/ PVC cages
• Terrariums with ventilation- 50 gallon minimum

Lighting:

• Provide a natural light cycle with 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark.
• UVB lighting is beneficial but not mandatory.
• Individual heat source to maintain a temperature between 70-80 degrees (ceramic heat bulb and lamp with a temperature gauge)

Hiding Places:

• Include various hiding spots using caves, logs, or commercial hides. Tenrecs feel secure when they can retreat.

Bedding:

• Provide at least 3-5 inches of substrate for burrowing.
• Litter- equine pine pellets, aspen bedding- avoid cedar shavings and paper bedding, hemp
• Bioactive Bedding

Primary Diet:

• Insects (crickets, mealworms) should be the mainstay of their diet. Aim for variety in protein sources.
• Offer fruits and vegetables occasionally (e.g., bananas, sweet potatoes, leafy greens).
• High-quality, cat food or kibble designed for insectivores can supplement their diet.
• Avoid cat foods with Peas- can cause issues with calcium absorption
• MASH

Water:

• Fresh water should always be available in a shallow dish. Change daily.

Handling:

• Use both hands to support their body and avoid gripping them too tightly. Let them explore your hands.
• They have quills on their back and long gripping hands with nails. These animals may feel more secure by being supported by both hands, a small blanket, or bonding pouch.
• Greater tenrecs warn you with an open mouth when they are uncomfortable. If they are uncomfortable, they will bite.

Social Interaction:

• They can be housed alone or in small female groups. Monitor interactions to prevent aggression. A larger enclosure is required for multiple females.

Greater tenrecs are known for emitting a musky odor. This scent is produced by specialized scent glands located near their tail. The musky smell serves as a form of communication, marking territory and possibly deterring predators. While it can be quite pungent, the odor is a natural part of their behavior and contributes to their distinctive characteristics.