Are tenrecs good pets?
Tenrecs are not overly friendly pets. They don’t necessarily mind being handled, but they don’t crave human attention like many more-aptly-called “pets” do. If they’re handled gently and regularly as pups, they’re more likely to respond well to human interaction.
Do tenrecs need a heat lamp?
Tenrecs need a heat source such as an overhead heat lamp or ceramics. If they do not have enough heat that over the cooler months they may enter a state known as brumation. Tenrecs are insectivores and so this should form the majority of their diet.
How long do tenrecs live as pets?
A tenrec is similar to a rodent, but some species like the tailless tenrec are as large as a rabbit. The tenrecs are usually 10-15 in long and have a body mass of 3.3-5.5 lb. Other species of a tenrec are usually smaller than a rabbit except for the tailless tenrec. The weight of the tenrecs depends on their species.
What does a tenrec eat?
Greater Madagascar tenrecs are insectivorous and carnivorous. In the wild they are opportunistic feeders and forage on the ground and in trees for invertebrates. They will also eat some other small animals, such as baby mice.
Is tenrec same as hedgehog?
The lesser hedgehog tenrec is a small, stout-bodied animal similar to the hedgehog, hence the name. Their tails are short, their limbs and muzzles are of moderate length, and their ears are prominent. The entire dorsum is covered with sharp spines.
Can you bath tenrecs?
Quite the opposite to hedgehogs, tenrecs should be given sand baths (in enriched reptile sand preferably). Water baths should almost never be given as they can cause skin issues. Tenrecs are perfectly capable of using sand to exfoliate dead skin cells and regularly clean themselves.
Can you bath a tenrec?
Can tenrecs live together?
Nocturnal and flexible in behavior, it can also inhabit grassland and farmland near human habitations. They rest in tree hollows by day, making a cozy den. They tend to be solitary, though they have been seen grouped together during a period of torpor. Tenrec torpor.
How many babies can tenrecs have?
Litters consist of one to ten young, though five to seven young are most common. The babies are relatively undeveloped when they are born, but become independent after only one month. They are primarily active at night. They can live for up to 8 to 10 years in the wild, and about 13 years in human care.
Does hedgehog need sand bath?
Sand baths usually give your hedgehog a natural feel. Do not get too fine (close to dust) sand. It can cause respiratory problems. Therefore, Chinchilla dust or sand is a NO.
Are sand baths good for hedgehogs?
Do you need a farm for a tenrec?
For one or two tenrecs you won’t need to large of a farm. By doing this you will be assured that the mealworms your pets are eating have been fed the proper diet and you are providing them with good gut loaded nutrition. Housing for the tenrec may be very simple or quite elaborate.
What does a tenrec do when it is threatened?
When a tenrec is threatened, it rolls into a ball, exposing its spiny covering and protecting its underbelly. The spiny ball is nearly impenetrable. Continued provocation can elicit it coming out of its ball and advancing, gaping, and head bucking to the threat.
What kind of habitat does a tenrec live in?
Nocturnal and flexible in behavior, it can also inhabit grassland and farmland near human habitations. They rest in tree hollows by day, making a cozy den. They tend to be solitary, though they have been seen grouped together during a period of torpor.
How big of a vivarium do you need for a tenrec?
Tenrecs are best housed in large 6ft/2-3ft vivariums. They require an external heat source; ideally, from a 100-150W CHE (ceramic heat emitter) with a suitable guard, you’ll need to ensure the temperature is kept at 22 ° C which can be done with a heat lamp and pulse thermostat – ideally monitor inside the enclosure with thermometers as well.