© Frank Vassen / CC BY 2.0Greater Hedgehog Tenrec
The Greater Hedgehog Tenrec is a small, spine-covered mammal from the tenrec family, found across Madagascar. At 16–22 cm long and weighing 175–300 g, it's noticeably larger than the related Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec. Nocturnal and solitary by nature, it spends its days resting quietly in hiding and becomes active after dark. When startled, it curls into a tight ball with its spines raised — a defense that looks strikingly similar to a hedgehog's, even though the two are only distantly related. It also has a natural tendency to estivate during certain seasons, reflecting behavior carried over from the wild. Charming as they look, they're best suited to experienced keepers who understand their specialized care needs.
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Apply as a breederGreater Hedgehog Tenrec key facts
- Care level
- Advanced
- Lifespan
- Up to 14 years in captivity
- Size
- 16-22cm / 175-300g
- Diet
- Insects (crickets, mealworms), fruit
- Cage
- A 60cm+ cage with several hides and a wheel, placed somewhere dark and quiet for this nocturnal animal
- Grooming
- No brushing; check between the spines for dirt and mites regularly and keep bedding clean
- Temperature
- Solitary and wary, rolling up when startled; takes time to tame
- Notes
- Enters torpor when cold, so heating is essential. Imports need infectious-disease notification. Few vets treat the species
About Greater Hedgehog Tenrec
Greater Hedgehog Tenrec: a spiny, nocturnal mammal from Madagascar, 16–22 cm and 175–300 g. Learn about its solitary nature, estivation habit, and what advanced keepers should know before bringing one home.
7 things to know before welcoming a Greater Hedgehog Tenrec
1For Experienced Keepers
Care information for tenrecs is still limited, and keeping one requires real knowledge of temperature, humidity, and diet. They're better suited to keepers who already have animal care experience than to complete beginners.
2Nocturnal and Solitary
They rest quietly in hiding during the day and become active after dark. Since they naturally live alone, avoid housing them together and give each individual its own calm, dedicated space.
3Spines as Defense
Their body is covered in stiff, spine-like hairs, and when startled or threatened they curl into a ball with the spines raised. Handle them gently and let them get used to you gradually rather than forcing contact early on.
4Seasonal Estivation
Depending on the season and environment, their activity can slow down as they enter a dormant, estivation-like state. Reduced appetite or movement isn't necessarily a problem, but it's worth keeping an eye on their weight over time.
5Adult Size to Expect
Adults typically reach 16–22 cm in length and 175–300 g in weight. Choose an enclosure and hideouts sized for their full adult growth from the start, rather than upgrading later.
6Temperature & Humidity Care
As a species native to Madagascar, they need stable, appropriate temperature and humidity year-round. A dedicated heater and a thermo-hygrometer make it much easier to keep track of daily conditions.
7Research Before You Commit
In captivity they can live up to 14 years, so bringing one home is a long-term commitment. Take time beforehand to learn about their natural behavior and diet, and make sure you can provide for them consistently.
Frequently asked questions about Greater Hedgehog Tenrec
- Q.Is the Greater Hedgehog Tenrec suitable for beginners?
- A.This species is considered better suited to experienced keepers, requiring solid knowledge of temperature, humidity, and diet management. It's best thought of as an option for people who already have animal-keeping experience.
- Q.How big does it grow?
- A.Adults typically reach 16–22 cm in length and 175–300 g in weight. That makes it noticeably larger than the related Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec.
- Q.How long do they live?
- A.In captivity, they can live up to about 14 years. Be prepared for a long-term commitment before bringing one home.
- Q.What do they do during the day?
- A.Being nocturnal, they spend most of the daytime resting quietly in hiding. They become active after dark.
- Q.Can you handle them?
- A.Because they curl up and raise their spines when startled, forceful handling should be avoided. It's best to build trust gradually, at a pace the individual animal is comfortable with.
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