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: 7-9 years in captivity
Size: 5-6.5 inches Weight: 115-250 grams
- Temperature: Keep in the range of 70°F to 80°F.
- Humidity: Maintain around 40-60% humidity.
Lighting:
- Provide a natural light cycle (12 hours light, 12 hours dark). UVB lighting can be beneficial but is not essential.
Hiding Places:
- Include several hiding spots using caves, logs, or commercial hides to help them feel secure.
Bedding:
- Provide at least 2-3 inches of substrate for burrowing. Clean and replace bedding weekly.
SAND
Tenrecs benefit from having sand in their enclosures for several key reasons that support their natural behaviors, physical health, and overall well-being. Here’s why sand is important for tenrecs:
- Natural Burrowing Behavior: Tenrecs are natural diggers and burrowers. In the wild, they dig through soil and sand to find food, create shelter, and hide. Providing sand in their enclosures allows them to engage in this instinctual behavior, which is crucial for their mental stimulation and overall happiness in captivity.
- Sensory Stimulation: Sand offers a different texture from other substrates like wood chips or gravel. The ability to feel and manipulate sand with their paws and noses provides sensory enrichment, encouraging exploration and curiosity. This sensory interaction is vital for their mental and emotional health.
- Physical Exercise: Digging and burrowing in sand is a form of physical exercise for tenrecs. It helps them stay active and strengthens muscles, promoting better physical health. Without such activities, tenrecs may become less active, which can lead to health issues like obesity or muscle atrophy.
- Thermoregulation: In their natural habitats, tenrecs often use soil or sand to regulate their body temperature. Sand in their enclosure allows them to burrow into it, providing a cooling or warming effect depending on their needs. This is especially important in controlled environments like zoos or homes, where temperature regulation is critical.
- Foraging and Hunting Practice: Tenrecs are omnivores, often foraging for insects, small invertebrates, and other food sources in the wild. Hiding food in the sand allows them to engage in natural foraging behavior, mimicking the search for food in their native environment. This not only provides a mental challenge but also encourages natural eating habits.
- Self-Cleaning with Texture: Tenrecs have dense, often spiny fur, which can accumulate dirt and debris. When they roll or burrow in sand, the grains help to dislodge dirt from their fur and remove excess oils from their skin. The abrasiveness of the sand acts as a natural exfoliant, helping to keep their fur clean and free of contaminants.
- Absorption of Excess Oils: Sand can help absorb oils from the tenrec’s skin and fur. In the wild, they would encounter dirt and natural materials that assist in controlling oil buildup. In a captive setting, sand can fulfill this function by providing a medium for the tenrec to “dry clean” itself.
In short, sand is a crucial element for a tenrec’s well-being, offering a way to engage in natural behaviors, stay active, and maintain both physical and mental health. It mimics the conditions they would experience in the wild, promoting a more enriched and fulfilling life in captivity.