Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there, does anyone else keep bushy tailed jirds as pets? Trying to find a network of jird people. Thanks

I currently have them - are you looking for info.?

Well, I've kept them for years...I just don't know many people who do. I did have a slight issue with a new female I recently acquired. She gave birth to a litter of babies (apparantly, she was pregnant when I got her). She had 7 babies total...and they were all doing well. She nursed them, they grew, opened their eyes, and had fur. All of a sudden, I went to feed them and I noticed that there was blood all over the cage. Upon closer examination, mom had chewed off half of the babies tails. All the babies had this happen and 2 died. As they were only 3 1/2 weeks old, I really didn't want to serperate them, but I figured if I didn't then mom would continue to do this. So I did, and all the babies are doing well now. Have you experienced (or known anyone who has) this? I've never heard of this before. Thanks!

Are they good pets? I had 2 gerbils that lived for yrs infact they were black as babies but at old age lots of gray hairs in their black coats.
I read about BTJ and not sure if same type as pets as gerbils. Is care about the same will a pair be best (m/f) or two of same sex?
Would a 55 gallon standard tank (48 inches long) be ok for them?
Do they use a solid wheel?
Sorry about all the questions but interested in a pair . They sell them in a pet store in area imagine from private breeder every Spring.
Thanks.

Hey, they make excellent pets. In all the years I've been keeping jirds (about 10) I have never been bitten by one. My first jird, Stella, lived to the ripe old age of 5. I was shocked that she lived that long. They are a little more active then your standard mongolian gerbil. A solid wheel is a good idea, and they would ADORE a 55 gallon tank as a home. They are avid chewers, so I don't recommend a plastic type home for them. I give them lots of wood toys to chew on, as well as paper towel tubes. They love running through and chewing on them. Feeding is easy as they eat the same commercial gerbil food found in pet shops...although I do supplement with fresh/frozen fruits and veggies, and I occasionally through in a little dry cat food for protein. They are very inquisitive. The only drawback to them is that they are VERY quick and if they should accidentally get loose, they can be hard to catch. Two males raised together will do just fine as two females. I work at the philly zoo, where I have donated some animals. They currently have 2 males on display and there are no problems. Good luck...and welcome to the world of jirds!

Also, forgot to mention that if you do get a pair, they will breed constantly! If you only want to keep them for pets, I suggest getting 2 of the same sex.

Thanks for all the great info. I was planning on a solid plastic type woodent wheel . You think that might not be a good idea its hard plastic. I can ofcourse look for those old style chinchilla solid steel wheels.
If you were going to get two be it two males or two females which would you get?
From what I understand the males get the bushy tails. Do you find that to be the case?
thanks.
Jeanin

Males tails do get bushier...but females have some amount of bushyness as well. As far as personality goes, male/female does not really seem to matter, at least in my experience. As for the wheel, I have never tried one of those plastic solid wheels....but my guess would be that the jirds would chew them to pieces within a few days. They have VERY strong chewing instincts. If I can be of any other help, let me know. Good luck!

Okay thanks. I am going to search for a solid chinchilla steel wheel. I decided on two males.
thanks.
Jeanin

Lots of luck to you! They are fascinating little critters.

Thanks again. I will post pics when I get them