Before buying a tenrec or hedgehog make sure you know a few important things about them. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical moist montane forest, dry savanna, moist savanna, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. The lesser hedgehog tenrec is mostly a solitary animal except during breeding or when rearing offspring. However, tenrecs and hedgehogs are completely unrelated. See more ideas about cage, critter nation cage and hedgehog. A hedgehog can be a wonderful addition for someone who wants a unique and entertaining pet. Lesser tenrecs have poor eyesight, but their whiskers are very sensitive and their senses of smell and hearing are well developed. The hedgehog or tenrec has not been commingled with any other hedgehog or tenrec that originated in, or has ever been in, a region. Pinepaper pellets or other safe particulate options. A tenrec is any species of mammal within the afrotherian family tenrecidae endemic to madagascar. Tenrecbabies breeder of quality hedgehogs, hedgehog. The lowland streaked tenrec do your kids know this a. The hedgehog or tenrec has never been in a region where footandmouth disease exists.
Madagascar tenrec facts and information seaworld parks. Good results have been achieved feeding a various mix of dry cat foods, mealworms, wax worms and scrambled eggs. And other odd lettered animals that like to play but forgot to mention one very important thing. Hedgehog tenrec definition is a tenrec setifer setosus. Although they resemble animals such as shrews and hedgehogs. Hedgehog tenrec definition of hedgehog tenrec by merriam. Here are a few that i believe are very important to know if youre looking to buy a hedgehog or tenrec. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. Should barge enough for a tenrec to fully enter and turn around in, and easily cleaned plastic, ceramic, etc. A hedgehog is fun to watch, quiet, not aggressive, and is fairly easy to care for. Dry hedgehog or cat food there is commercial hedgehog food, but it is not always available at some pet stores. The complete guide to hedgehogs and hedgehog care for new owners hedgehog books hedgehog guide pet hedgehogs book 1 ebook.
There are about 30 different types of tenrecs that all look a little bit different, but they most closely resemble hedgehogs, and many of the. Acknowledgments this comprehensive publication has been written and compiled for the british. The requirements generally include a veterinary services vs import permit, an original health certificate issued or endorsed by a veterinary officer of the government in the foreign country your pet hedgehog or tenrec is traveling from, and an. Echinops telfairi and the two species of streaked tenrec hemicentetes semispinosus. One of the most important things that pet shops or general sellers neglect to inform the new owners of is the fact that these amazing pets are nocturnal. The lesser hedgehog tenrec is a small, stoutbodied animal similar to the hedgehog, hence the name. Wilson is more than likely a male, but only time will tell. It appears to favor the eastern forests and lower elevations, but may be found in moist and dry zones. The snout on a hedgehog is typically shorter and wider in comparison to a tenrec. The most common tenrec in the pettrade is the lesser hedgehog tenrec which would naturally live in madagascar in forests, savanna, shrubland or grassland. More than 250,000 words that arent in our free dictionary. Care and management when you bring your new hedgehog home, place them in their new cage and let them have absolute privacy for several hours or until the evening. To make it confusing though the tenrecs that are kept as pets have been named the lesser or greater hedgehog tenrecs, using the word hedgehog to describe their spiny hairs. After a few years pat purchased three greater hedgehog tenrecs and then lesser.
Tenrecs essex pygmy hedgehogsessex pygmy hedgehogs. The hedgehog tenrec, setifer setosus, resembles a true hedgehog. Just click on the question you are interested in learning the answer to and you will be taken to the appropriate section of this page. The body is covered with hair and blunt spines, which are not capable of protecting him against enemies. The maryland zoo features lesser hedgehog tenrecs among its animal ambassadors, which are introduced to audiences in education programs on and off grounds. Madagascan lesser hedgehog tenrec bella an adult female although african pygmy hedgehogs have become fairly well known as exotic pets, the lesser hedgehog tenrecs are extremely rare in the pet trade with only a handful of breeders in the us. Overview where i live lesser hedgehog tenrecs live in dry forested areas of southern and southwestern madagascar. The largest species is the tailless tenrec, tenrec ecaudatus, which weighs up to 1 kg. All the items your need to care for a pet hedgehog.
Some of these species, including the greater hedgehog tenrec. The complete guide to hedgehogs and hedgehog care for new owners hedgehog books hedgehog guide pet hedgehogs book 1 kindle edition by sarah yee author format. See all formats and editions hide other formats and. Other spiny tenrecs are the two species of hedgehog tenrec setifer setosus. If you are looking for a fun and unusual pet to raise and nurture, consider getting a hedgehog if theyre legal in your state. Proper tenrec housing tenrecs love climbing, so that should be reflected in their caging. There are around 30 different species of tenrecs, the lesser tenrec being one of the smallest. Tenrec article about tenrec by the free dictionary. Tenrec care information to learn more about tenrecs, we have answered the frequently asked questions on this page. The coloration of the common tenrec varies geographically from greybrown to redbrown.
And a tenrec would be earlier i alluded to the fact that i wrote a childrens book titled a tenrec named trey. Although they resemble animals such as shrews and hedgehogs, tenrecs are not closely related to any of these groups. The longtailed tenrec, microgale longicaudata, is mouselike in size and appearance, with a tail two and a half times its body length, and it is able to jump. Caring for tenrecs and learning what is a tenrec kenny coogan. Lesser madagascar tenrecs, also called lesser hedgehog tenrecs, are small, nocturnal animals covered in spines. I breed madagascan tenrecs and african pygmy hedgehogs in the gauteng area. Physical characteristics typically ranging between 56. Wilson, the lesser tenrec, is a member of our love your pets facebook group and i have been fascinated by him since keri started posting pictures of him.
A complete guide to raising pet hedgehogs pethelpful. The lowland streaked tenrec do your kids know this a childrens picture book amazing creature series volume 41 turner, tanya on. Have you wondered what a lesser tenrec is and how you take care of. Usda aphis pet travel bringing hedgehogs or tenrecs into. Feb 07, 2020 pet hedgehogs and tenrecs import guidance. May 30, 2019 if you are looking for a fun and unusual pet to raise and nurture, consider getting a hedgehog if theyre legal in your state.
Tenrec ecaudatus is one of the largest living insectivores. The length of a hedgehogs life depends on several factors. Pelage is not dense and is a combination of hairs and blunt spines. Nov 15, 2019 the length of a hedgehogs life depends on several factors. Tenrecidae common name tenrecs is a family of mammals found on madagascar and parts of africa. Zoos and aquariums that housed lesser hedgehog tenrecs in 2011 were invited to. Caring for mice is simple due to their few demands. The lesser hedgehog tenrec inhabits dry areas such as deserts, dry forests and dry coastal regions. Fine hairs cover their paws and bellies, and their tails are barely visible.
Regular handling is the key to bonding, and you will want to hold your hedgehog for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. Participants were allowed to skip a question if it did not pertain to their tenrecs. The madagascar tenrec is found throughout the island in all habitat types, with the exception of wetlands and marshes. With very limited information on tenrecs, the more we share the more we learn. Tenrecs in madagascar iucn afrotheria specialist group. The setifer setosus have face more like a shrew and the way they waddle makes me think a little of how a platypus moves.
At the present time, there are but a few handful of tenrecs in the private hands of exotic animal breeders here in north america, mainly of the species setifer setosus, the greater hedgehog tenrec. Is a new face book group intended for tenrec enthusiasts, owners and breeders. Of the many species of tenrecs, there are two that superficially resemble hedgehogs. Unlike their cousin hedgehogs, tenrecs are excellent climbers, and use their long toes to hold onto branches. Veterinary care of the hedgehog by ian robinson and andrew routh of the rspca, published in in practice march 1999 is very informative, copies available from bhps on request. I have been breeding for four years now and i thoroughly enjoy my little friends before buying a hedgehog or tenrec please make sure to do your research so that you understand all the needs that the new addition to your family has. Enclosure must be flatbottomed with enough floor space for the necessary items approx. Unlike hedgehogs, tenrecs can be housed together although only one male per enclosure as boys will fight. So i was delighted when keri agreed to tell us a little bit more about wilson and also share more adorable pictures of him. At full grown stage, they should weigh no more than 200g. There are about 25 species of tenrec, ranging in size from a tiny shrewlike animal to ones about the size of a hedgehog. There are exceptions to this, but generally theres no confusing a hedgehog snoot with a tenrec snoot.
It is as large as a rabbit, and is less spinescent than the other species. While there are a handful of tenrec species commonly kept as pets in the uk and europe, the only species that is currently available in the us is the lesser hedgehog tenrec. The complete guide to hedgehogs and hedgehog care for new owners hedgehog books hedgehog guide pet hedgehogs book 1. Know your hedgehog care and treatment of sick and injured hedgehogs published by the british hedgehog preservation society, hedgehog house, dhustone, ludlow, shropshire sy8 3pl uk part of the series. Nocturnal in the wild, in captivity they are often active day and night alike. While you cant do a lot about genetics, you can help keep your pet hedgehog safe by feeding them a balanced diet high in protein, familiarizing yourself with common ailments, accessing veterinary care, and. The complete guide to hedgehogs and hedgehog care for new owners hedgehog books hedgehog guide pet hedgehogs book 1 by sarah yee 4.
A survey on husbandry, morbidity, and mortality of lesser hedgehog tenrecs. Dry food should be the primary portion of your pets diet. A meat or chicken dry cat food that is high in protein is a decent alternative. Our tenrecs enjoy being carried around in a cuddle sack or bonding bag, and will often fall asleep while we are watching tv, sewing, or reading a book. If youve decided a hedgie would be a good pet for you, or are on the lookout for new supplies for your hedgehog, you can support us by ordering specialized pet hedgehog diets and products from our company, hedgehog precision. Lesser madagascar tenrec theyre hedgehog lookalikes, but make no mistakes, this lesser madagascar tenrec is different in many ways. The shorthaired rice tenrecs, genus oryzorictes, are molelike animals whose tunneling causes much damage in rice fields. Lesser madagascar hedgehog tenrec smithsonians national zoo. Other spiny tenrecs are the two species of hedgehog tenrec setifer setosus and echinops telfairi and the two species of streaked tenrec hemicentetes semispinosus and h. Wilson is a lesser tenrec and he is native to madagascar. Below is a basic list of essential supplies for properly housing and caring for a tenrec, and should be acquired before bringing your tenrec home. The greater hedgehog tenrec setifer setosus, also known as the large madagascar hedgehog or sokina, is a species of mammal in the family tenrecidae. They occupy aquatic, arboreal, terrestrial and fossorial environments. The lowland streaked tenrec do your kids know this a childrens picture book amazing creature series volume 41.
Another thing is that both hedgehogs and tenrecs are insect and plant eating. This list is not for hedgehogs that list can be found here. The species is relatively new in this country, and was not imported in great numbers like african pygmy hedgehogs, so the us population remains very small. We have a new interest here at essex pygmy hedgehogs the madagascan lesser tenrec nicknamed the hedgehog tenrec. Is a lesser hedgehog tenrec the right exotic mammal for you. The tenrec featured here is instantly recognisable by a crest of hair on its head, remarkably similar to a mohican haircut, and the story tells of his determination for building structures out of twigs. Their tails are short, their limbs and muzzles are of moderate length, and their ears are prominent. The inclusion of hedgehog in their names can be misleading it is because of that resemblance, not because they are related to hedgehogs.
Lesser hedgehog tenrecs echinops telfairi are small insectivores from the family tenrecidae and are native to madagascar. Lesser madagascar tenrecs weigh 4 to 7 ounces 1 to 255 grams and grow to between 5. Although a lot of people wouldnt even consider hedgehogs as a viable option for a pet, just like hamsters, ferrets, and other small mammals, raising these cute little animals can be both fun and a rewarding experience. Some folks also feed crickets, cockroaches and hissing roaches. Tenrec definition is any of numerous small often spiny mammalian insectivores family tenrecidae chiefly of madagascar. Pet travel bringing hedgehogs or tenrecs into the us. Nutritional requirements for a captive lesser hedgehog tenrec is fairly simple.
When you book your new baby with me a full care sheet with all the relevant. The tenrec featured here is instantly recognisable by a crest of hair on its head, remarkably similar to a mohican haircut, and the story tells. Caring for tenrecs and learning what is a tenrec kenny. We welcome any and all questions about hedgehogs, and one of us it around pretty much at. Chinchilla cage setup chinchillas, ferrets care, cute ferrets, cage. Dont let their funny little shuffle fool you, though these.
Tenrecs breeder of quality hedgehogs, hedgehog home page. Madagascan tenrecs, otherwise known as the lesser hedgehog tenrec make the most amazing pets for younger children and are a pure joy to watch as they explore their environment and rub their little bodies full of sand. Lesser hedgehog tenrec care sheet by stuart short the lesser hedgehog tenrec is the most common tenrec species kept in captivity and their popularity. To learn more about caring for tenrecs i asked a wny native who has raised and bred tenrecs for longer than a decade.
Lesser madagascar tenrecs are covered with spines, which range in color from white to black. They are similar in appearance to the hedgehog, with some differences including a short spinecovered tail. Other species include the the common tenrec tenrec ecaudatus, the pygmy or lesser hedgehog tenrec echinops telfairi and the banded tenrec. We have modified furniture to become vivariums for our tenrecs, which. Looking at the tenrec, you can see that the quills are similar, as are the pointy little face.
The largest species of spiny tenrec is the tailless tenrec, tenrec ecaudatus, which weighs up to 1 kg. You must there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one thats only in the merriamwebster unabridged dictionary start your free trial today and get unlimited access to americas largest dictionary, with. The lifespan of a tenrec is longer than that of the hedgehog and is 710 years on average. Though sometimes confused with hedgehogs, lesser tenrecs are actually members of a different order. The lesser hedgehog tenrec is a small species of insectivore which is native to madagascar. Tenrec ecaudatus tailless tenrec animal diversity web. Tenrec are insectivores, meaning cousins to the african pygmy hedgehogs that hedgehog valley has become famous for.
197 771 404 1537 1014 640 534 1358 1336 1239 919 1085 643 877 119 74 21 836 62 440 618 1175 965 530 1067 484 1491 1267 162 1444 562 885 249 448 615 927 1225 1362 1034 1463 318 1400 757 1453 319 1055