Videos of Tenrecs
Tenrec Behaviour
Unlike the much larger African Pygmy Hedgehogs, Tenrecs do not often ball up Their spikes are less prominent than hedgehogs and they are generally not as noisy, though they do make a huffing sound when distressed.
With regular handling, your Tenrecs can become very happy being handled. They very rarely bite and are very confident animals. They do not move especially fast, so are easy to handle whilst walking around. Some keepers like to have them in a pocket or a bonding pouch as they do their normal daily routine, especially during the winter months when they are naturally more sleepy. A Tenrec in torpor will eat rarely, if at all for weeks on end, but it is important to ensure they still have a regular source of cat biscuits and a water source for the occasions when they do wake up for brief patches.
Tenrecs naturally will be more sleepy during the day, as they are nocturnal animals. They swiftly get used to a feeding routine and will charge eagerly towards you at feeding time, especially if you are offering a particular favourite. Many Tenrecs can be trained to take livefood from a pair of tongs. Tong feeding can be a very useful tool to coax a reluctant animal to eat and is a safe way to get a pet Tenrec used to taking food from you, without the risk of bitten fingers from their enthusiasm!
Female tenrecs can be kept together, but male tenrecs cannot be kept together as they are territorial and will fight. If keeping multiple, you must have enough bowls and items to avoid fighting. If mixed-sex, the male tenrec will become more aggressive during the breeding months in spring. Female tenrecs may mount each other as dominance behaviour; it is important to note that the only way to accurately sex a tenrec is via a DNA test using saliva. Female tenrecs have a cloaca (a single reproductive, intestinal and urinary opening) rather than the separate openings most typical mammals have. From 6 months onwards, visual differences between the sexes appear - such as the male's broader face and puffy rings around the eyes. Males can secrete a milky white substance from their eyes, however, some females do also do this and sexing visually is not fully accurate. A DNA test using saliva is the only way to be sure of your pet tenrec's sex.
As tenrecs are nocturnal, is best to handle your tenrec more in the evenings. Pet tenrecs enjoy climbing up your shoulder and may choose to settle in a pocket, or in a sleeve, if sleepy. Pet tenrecs don't seem overally fussed about toys or playpens but may enjoy exploring especially if you hide favourite food treats in cardboard tubes or similar items.
Torpor in Tenrecs
Torpor is a natural part of a tenrecs life and happens every season. This is also called brumation and will happen in the colder months, typically beginning Sept/Oct until Feb/March in the northern hemisphere. Torpor will still occur in captivity even if kept at a constant temperature (22°C - 26°C) and with a light cycle.
It is important to monitor your tenrec's weight before and during torpor - especially if it is their first one. Some keepers keep young tenrecs at a higher temperature than adults to ensure a light torpor. Tenrecs' weight can range very widely, with 110-200g considered a healthy range depending on the animal.
As torpor begins, you will notice your tenrec eating and moving less. You are still fine to handle them during this time and when awaken by the warmth of your hands you may be able to encourage them to eat a small amount but it is not unusual for them to stop eating entirely for patches of this time. They will be moving slower and be far less active than during the summer months. Their body temperature will be lower than during their active months, with a belly that is cold to the touch. Due to the energy cost involved, it is better if handling to let them simply sleep on you and not try to force them to be more active unless there are health concerns.
Males often have a lighter torpor than females, so may have more patches of activity of waking to eat and drink. Even so, this will be in much smaller amounts than during the active months.
For those used to torpor being a danger in other exotics, torpor in tenrecs can be rather stressful initially. It is important however not to discourage them from entering this state, as it is not known how preventing them from this natural rhythm would impact on health and life expectancy.
Tenrecs Environment
Pet tenrecs can be kept in barred cages providing the bar spacing is suitable and these cages provide good climbing enrichment and space. It is easier to monitor the temperature in a vivarium, however, as they do need to be kept at 22℃-26℃ during the day. This temperature needs to be consistent, as sudden temperature drops can trigger torpor in the wrong season. A tube UVB bulb is a good addition to help with their calcium absorption since the D3 in the calcium powder needs UVB to be activated.
Tenrecs need a decent amount of space to display natural behaviours, with a 4-foot vivarium being a good size for your pet tenrec. Tenrecs are excellent climbers and enjoy wooden logs and ropes, ladders, vines and fabric items.
Nests
They should have multiple nests and tubes that you will need to regularly clean. Tenrecs love hiding in spaces much smaller than you think they can fit into, so be careful of any gaps in your layout.
Cork tubes are loved by tenrecs, however, it is best to get larger sizes of these so you can check on your tenrec's health as needed as they can be reluctant to come out.
Wheels
A wheel is essential for your tenrec, this needs to be a minimum of 9" in diameter. Wooden wheels will need frequent cleaning and as tenrecs do not chew, it is safe to offer them plastic ones. Unlike other pets, wire wheels are not considered to pose a danger to tenrecs.
Sandbath
Sandbaths are another essential item. Tenrecs love washing themselves in sandbaths which is fascinating to watch. This can be left in the cage, or offered once a week. If left in constantly, you will need to sieve the sand to remove faeces and clumps.
Substrate
Tenrecs do enjoy burrowing, so a decent layer of a good quality substrate such as bedmax is important, with additional bedding offered for nest making.
Tenrecs can be litter trained, if you identify the corner they have chosen to toilet you can then place a litter pan in that area with some of their faeces in the litter pan.