Housing

The lesser hedgehog tenrec can be housed in a relatively easy set-up. Some people prefer large ferplast cages, while others opt for a viv set-up. Either way, there are a few things to remember. Firstly they are semi sociable and can be housed in multiples, (only 1 male to a cage though). Secondly, they are semi arboreal and love to climb. They are very slow, but very sure footed when climbing. They have even been known to dangle by just one foot or even 1 claw attached to the branch!!
They must have some sort of heat available to them. Overhead heat lamps or ceramics are ideal, but you must remember that tenrecs are nocturnal, so spot lights are not going to do them much good. Ceramics are the better option. They must have access to some sort of climbing facility in the enclosure. A stump or a few branches are ideal.

The temperature should be around 24º - 32ºC during the summer. This is the best time for your tenrecs to be active.

Substrate should be something they can dig in, for when they are looking for prey. Shavings are ok, but can damage the tenrecs if accidentally eaten when eating prey. Coco fibre or bed a beast is a good substrate, as is natural peat.
They will benefit from a hide for the day. This can be filled with straw, dry leaves or moss.

Feeding

Tenrec feeding is relatively simple. 80 – 90% of the diet should consist of insects. 10 – 20% will consist of some fruit.
Insects that can be used are: -

4 species of available cricket
Locusts
Grasshoppers
Roaches
Mealworms and beetles
Earthworms
Waxworms
Slugs
Snails
Fruit beetle larvae (pachnoda)
Stick insects

Fruits to include are: -

White and red seedless grapes
Banana
Papaya
Peach
Apricot

In addition to this you can also include…Fruit yoghurt, hard-boiled egg, pinkies and day old chicks.
All livefood should be dusted with a good calcium supplement and once a week with a good vitamin and mineral supplement.

Breeding

As of yet I have been unable to breed my tenrecs, but can give a little info on how to go about it.

Firstly they should be given a rest period with a temperature drop to 17º - 20ºC for several weeks. This will allow the reproductive organs to get themselves ready for the task ahead.
The temps should be brought back up to the summer settings, then wait for breeding attempts to be made. Males will discharge a white liquid from around the eyes. This still is unknown as to why this happens. When mating occurs they will squeak and puff from time to time and the actual mating can last an hour or so!

On average they have a litter size of around 3 – 6, but have been know to have upto 10. Gestation lasts from 60 – 65 days.
The babies are born blind and hairless. The development is quite quick and in 3 weeks they will start to eat solids.

One interesting feature of tenrecs is that they practice self-anointing or "scent marking". This is always carried out after the cage has been cleaned. Saliva is smeared all over the body and substrate and any other cage furnishings. This behaviour is still not fully understood.

Conclusion

The lesser hedgehog tenrec is a very acceptable pet. They rarely bite and seem to enjoy frequent handling. As they are nocturnal, they are very good for owners that work during the day. The evenings can be spent bonding with your tenrec. They are a bit grumpy when first woken up (but isn’t everyone)? Once they are fully awake, they make a fascinating and rewarding pet to watch and interactive with.