Please continue to do further research on Lesser Tenrecs 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

Bringing Home a Madagascar Lesser Tenrec

• Temperature: Keep in the range of 70°F to 80°F.
• Humidity: Maintain around 40-60% humidity

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- 40 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 several hiding spots using caves, logs, or commercial hides to help them feel secure.

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.
• 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 gripping hands with nails. These animals may feel more secure by being supported by both hands, a small blanket, or bonding pouch.

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.

SAND

Tenrecs greatly 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. Therefore, sand in their enclosures allows them to engage in this instinctual behavior, promoting mental stimulation and happiness.

Sensory Stimulation: Sand offers a different texture from substrates like wood chips or gravel. As a result, the ability to feel and manipulate sand with their paws and noses provides sensory enrichment, encouraging exploration and curiosity, which are vital for their emotional health.

Physical Exercise: Digging and burrowing in sand helps tenrecs stay active, strengthening muscles and promoting better physical health. Without such activities, however, they may become sedentary, leading to health issues like obesity or muscle atrophy.

Thermoregulation: In their natural habitats, tenrecs use soil or sand to regulate their body temperature. Consequently, sand in their enclosure allows them to burrow for warmth or cooling, which is crucial for proper temperature regulation in captivity.

Self-Cleaning with Texture: Tenrecs have dense, spiny fur that can accumulate dirt. When they roll or burrow in sand, the grains help remove dirt and excess oils from their fur, acting as a natural exfoliant to keep them clean.

Absorption of Excess Oils: Sand absorbs oils from the tenrec’s skin and fur. In the wild, natural materials help control oil buildup, and thus, sand serves this purpose in captivity by allowing the tenrec to “dry clean” itself.

In short, sand is crucial for a tenrec’s well-being. It encourages natural behaviors, promotes physical activity, and supports both mental and physical health, thereby mimicking their natural environment for a more enriched life in captivity.

Recommended Sand

Male Lesser 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 (corn chip smell), the odor is a natural part of their behavior and contributes to their distinctive characteristics.