Lesser hedgehog tenrec, tenrec babies, tenrecs for sale, Florida tenrecs, tenrec breeder, tenrec breeders, lesser hedgehog tenrec breeders
 
  Tenrecs, tenrec, florida tenrec breeder, tenrec breeder, tenrec babies

 

 

About the Madagascar Lesser Tenrec

 

The lesser tenrec comes from the Island of Madagascar and the Comoro Island.  A tenrec is often mistaken for a hedgehog. In many ways the Lesser tenrec looks like our African Hedgehog, but don't let there looks fool you. Lesser Tenrecs are completely unrelated and is only one of the 30 species of the tenrecs.  Tenrecs like hedgehogs have spines and can roll into a ball. Tenrecs have "hands" that allows them to climb and and hang onto branches and such. They are nocturnal, which mean that sleep during the day and hunt during the night hours. During dry seasons when food is scarce, they may become torpid—a state in which their body temperature drops and the metabolism slows dramatically— this can last for periods of three to five months, helping them to conserve energy. They are small mammals normally weighing in at about 1/3 of a pound.
Tenrecs in captivity can live from 7 to 10 years of age. Currently the longest on record has live to be 10yr 6 months.
 

Tenrecs have been in the US as long as hedgehogs have but due to the slow reproductive capabilities, they are not nearly so numerous or popular. At the present time, there are low numbers of tenrecs in North America. There are about a handful of Licensed tenrec breeders at this time.

Tenrecs can be housed just like hedgehogs and, since they too are insectivores, they can be fed a similar diet.

Tenrecs for sale, tenrec breeders, tennies, florida tenrec breeders, tenrec breeder,
Nutrition

 

Nutritional requirements for a captive Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec is fairly simple. This is an area that will evolve over time. Good results have been achieved feeding a various mix of dry cat foods, mealworms, wax worms, chicken and a few fruits and vegetables. Some folks also feed crickets, cockroaches and hissing roaches.  A variety of different foods may be necessary throughout the year. Their appetite and tastes can change with the seasons and as they become torpid. During this time they have a very small appetite and their body temperature can drop. This helps them to conserve energy. Special care will need to be taken during this period to make sure they are remaining hydrated and at least nibbling on some food.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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