How to care for the skin, fur and quills of hedgehogs and tenrecs

Understanding the essentials of skin and spine health in small insectivores

The skin and external covering of hedgehogs and tenrecs play a vital role in their health and well-being. As insectivorous mammals with very specific adaptations, they rely on healthy skin, clean quills or spines, and well-maintained fur to regulate temperature, fend off parasites, and protect against injury. Yet skin problems are among the most common health concerns in captivity, often misinterpreted, poorly treated, or completely preventable with proper care.

This article explains the differences between hedgehogs and tenrecs in terms of skin and coat structure, outlines common issues, and provides guidance on hygiene, handling, and proactive care.

Unique skin and coat adaptations

At first glance, hedgehogs and tenrecs may look similar, small, spiny, and solitary, but they are not closely related. Hedgehogs belong to the Erinaceidae family, while tenrecs belong to Tenrecidae, a family native to Madagascar. This evolutionary distance shows up clearly in their skin, fur, and spine structure.

Hedgehogs have:

• A dense coat of modified hairs (quills or spines) on their back and flanks
• Soft fur on the underside and face
• A bare nose and relatively dry, firm skin

Tenrecs have:

• Softer, more flexible spines interspersed with fur
• Finer skin that is more sensitive to dryness and irritation
• Often a higher production of natural skin oils, particularly in the breeding season

These distinctions matter when caring for them in a captive environment.

Routine care and hygiene

Both hedgehogs and tenrecs are self-grooming, but they may still require human support, especially in dry indoor environments, during seasonal changes, or when experiencing health challenges.

Bathing should be rare, not routine. Frequent bathing can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness, flakiness, and even secondary infections. Most animals kept in clean enclosures with suitable humidity don’t need regular baths.

If bathing is necessary, for example, if the animal has soiled itself due to illness, or has dried feces stuck to the feet or tail, it should be done gently, using lukewarm water only or a mild, animal-safe cleanser (such as an unscented, diluted oatmeal shampoo or baby shampoo). Avoid soaps, essential oils, or harsh produts.

Always dry the animal thoroughly and keep it warm afterwards.

Dry skin and flaking

Dry, flaky skin is one of the most frequently reported problems in captive hedgehogs, especially during seasonal changes or in dry, heated indoor environments. Tenrecs may also suffer from skin irritation, though their natural oiliness offers some protection.

In most cases, dry skin is not a sign of disease but of environmental imbalance, especially low humidity, poor diet, or excessive bathing.

To improve skin condition:

• Maintain proper ambient humidity (ideally 40–60%)
• Offer a balanced, insect-rich diet with essential fatty acids
• Avoid over-bathing or using drying substances
• Add a shallow sand bath

In hedgehogs, a few drops of edible-quality flaxseed or olive oil can be applied to flaky areas once a week if needed, but this should never replace addressing the underlying cause. Optionally, you can feed them one droplet of salmon oil per week to keep their skin hydrated.

Mites, parasites and fungal infections

Skin irritation or quill loss may also be caused by external parasites. In hedgehogs, Caparinia tripilis mites are common and highly contagious, leading to intense itching, spine loss, and crusting. Tenrecs can also suffer from mites or fungal infections, though less frequently.

Signs of infestation include:

• Excessive scratching
• Scabs or crusty patches around the ears, face, and flanks
• Sudden quill or hair loss
• Restlessness or stress

These symptoms should never be ignored. A skin scraping or veterinary inspection is needed to confirm diagnosis.

Treatment typically involves selamectin (Revolution/Stronghold, both kitten varieties), applied once a month for 1–3 doses depending on the severity. Ivermectin injections should be avoided, as they are risky in small mammals.

For fungal infections, antifungal baths or oral medications may be prescribed. Maintaining hygiene and thorough enclosure cleaning is essential during treatment.

Quill health and spine loss

Quill loss in hedgehogs can be a natural process, especially in juveniles who are “quilling,” a period of spine shedding and regrowth that occurs between 4 and 12 weeks of age. This is completely normal, although it can cause temporary discomfort.

However, excessive or patchy quill loss outside of the quilling period may indicate:

• Parasitic infection (most common cause)
• Nutritional deficiency
• Hormonal imbalance
• Chronic stress or immune suppression

The key to healthy spines and fur is prevention:

• Avoid extreme stress or rough handling
• Offer regular access to insects and animal protein
• Ensure proper UVB or vitamin D3 intake (especially in low-sunlight environments)
• Keep enclosures clean, dry, and well-ventilated

Tenrecs may shed more lightly and seasonally, especially during pre-hibernation or breeding phases.

Skin damage, wounds and infections

Both hedgehogs and tenrecs are prone to skin tears or pressure sores if housed on inappropriate substrates, in unsanitary conditions, or if they are underweight and less mobile.

Tenrecs in particular can develop breeding-season wounds (especially on the tail or flanks) due to scent-marking behavior or mounting attempts. Males may become aggressive or overzealous, and injuries may go unnoticed if not checked regularly.

All wounds should be cleaned with saline solution or a vet-approved antiseptic. Avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or aggressive creams. If infection is suspected (swelling, pus, heat, smell), veterinary care is needed.

In hedgehogs with mobility issues (e.g., due to obesity, neurological disease, or age), pressure sores can form on the limbs or underside. Provide soft bedding and monitor their weight and skin frequently.

Handling and observation

Regular, gentle handling is the best way to stay ahead of skin issues. A healthy hedgehog or tenrec should have:

• Clean, intact skin without redness or crusts
• Smooth, evenly spaced spines or fur
• No strong odor (except for musky scent in male tenrecs)
• No excessive scratching, rubbing, or biting at the skin

Use this time to check under the belly, around the eyes and ears, and under the tail. Catching small issues early can prevent serious problems later.

Environmental factors and bedding

Substrate and enclosure setup have a huge impact on skin health. Avoid dusty, sharp, or scented bedding materials. Aspen shavings, paper bedding, or fleece liners are ideal.

For tenrecs, a combination of soil, moss, and shredded bark mimics their natural habitat and supports humidity retention, important for skin and respiratory health.

Keep temperature and humidity stable, clean food and water dishes daily, and wash hands before and after handling to prevent transmission of pathogens.

Conclusion

The skin, fur and quills of hedgehogs and tenrecs are not just cosmetic, they’re key indicators of overall health. Most skin issues are preventable with good husbandry, a proper diet, and regular observation.

Understanding the differences between species and resisting the urge to over-clean or “treat” skin with human remedies is essential. When in doubt, consult a veterinarian familiar with exotic small mammals, and always advocate for your animal with knowledge and care.