Course Content
1. Species overview
A chapter about the origin, evolution and taxonomy of the Lesser hedgehog tenrec.
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2. Legal and ethical considerations
Learn the legal and moral responsibilities of owning a Lesser hedgehog tenrec. Are they legal where you live, what's their conservation status, ethical sourcing and rehoming processes.
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3. Choosing your tenrec
Learn what a healthy tenrec looks like, red flags and warning signs in sellers, where to buy and where not to.
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4. Preparing the enclosure
What's the minimum cage size, which temperature and humidity are needed, do they need lighting or UV-B lights, substrates, basic cleaning, wheel, layout and zoning, and if you can house multiple tenrecs together.
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5. Daily & weekly care routine
Daily care tasks, weekly and monthly cleaning, feeding routine, handling and bonding, monitoring health and building a care routine.
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6. Feeding & Nutrition
Understanding nutritional needs, safe and unsafe foods, choosing the right kibble, meats, insects, natural foods, fruits, vegetables, supplements & gut health, feeding schedule and portion control, nutrition based health issues in tenrecs.
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7. Handling & Bonding
Building trust, reading body language in stress vs comfort, daily contact, how to handle safely, overcoming fear and defensive behavior, scent, sounds and presence, handling for healthcare, common mistake in bonding.
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8. Health & hygiene
Recognize when your tenrec is unwell, common health issues in tenrecs, health impact of poor breeding, preventative care and vet checks.
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9. Veterinary Care
Finding a good exotic vet, what to expect from routine checkups, when to seek immediate help, communicating with your vet, costs & planning for veterinary expenses.
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10. Enrichtment & Play
Choosing safe & engaging toys, why climbing matters for tenrecs, exercise essentials, stress reducation thorugh movement, free roaming, creating an enriching schedule.
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11. Understanding behavior
Basic behavior terminology, normal vs abnormal behavior, neutral behavior and its importance, common sounds and meanings, reading tenrec body language, nighttime activity patterns, stereotypical behavior, social behavior and interaction, behavior changes over time and between seasons, troubleshooting common behavioral issues.
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12. Seasonal care
Hibernation, aestivation, the importance of temperature regulation, when to seek veterinary help.
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13. Traveling with a tenrec
Preparing for travel, choosing the right carrier, long distance travel and long distance travel, legal considerations, keeping your tenrec calm during travel and post-travel recovery.
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14. Your tenrec journey continues
End of the course, quiz and what to do next.
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Private: Introduction to the Lesser hedgehog tenrec

Course introduction

Welcome to Introduction to Lesser Hedgehog Tenrecs. This course is designed to guide you through everything you need to know about this fascinating and unique species. From understanding their origins and natural behavior to providing the best possible care in captivity.

The Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec is not a hedgehog, despite its name, but it shares some visual similarities that often lead to confusion. In this course, we’ll clear up those misconceptions while exploring their true biology, their place in the wild, and the specific care requirements they need when kept as pets.

You’ll learn how to choose a healthy tenrec, create a safe and enriching environment, feed them a balanced diet, and understand their behavior. We’ll also cover essential topics like veterinary care, legal considerations, and seasonal needs, so you’ll be prepared for both everyday care and the unique challenges this species can present.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to care for a Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec responsibly, whether you are a first-time keeper or looking to expand your skills. This is more than just a care guide: it’s an opportunity to deepen your understanding of an extraordinary animal and contribute to its well-being.

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