Care Guide Reference

Jird Species: Sundeval & Buxton
Meriones crassus & Meriones crassus perpalidus
Palaearctic deserts - Africa - China

Sundeval Jird & Buxton Jird

Sundeval Jird Copyright Peter Atkins

Meriones crassus & Meriones crassus perpalidus

Basically these two species are the same although one is the true species whilst the other is a sub species.

I have found both these species to be of an even keel in temperament although they can like all other Jirds bite, but if this be the case it will be with good reason. A short rotund species, with a coat colour slightly lighter than that of the Shaw’s’ Jird, but also it does seem to have a silkiness to its texture which may give rise to one of the other names it is known as: Silky Jird.

This is not a species that enjoys being handled, and l have found that despite listening to people who proclaim that this is a species ‘that never bites’ are completely and utterly incorrect, l would say that this is a species ‘that always bites’. Youngsters, who have not shared in the religious biting technology teachings of their parents, never bite!

Of all the Jird species, l am not 100% happy with this as it is by far and far the most least likely to reproduce on a regular basis. Lovely species, but breeding prolific are low, and always appear to be by chance or usually with young stock rather than established pairs. Having said this, l did run a small programme in 2003 internally where upon l kept both the males and females separate, and only placed together for mating purposes and did enjoy a much higher ratio of success. This strongly suggested to me that in their natural environment the males and the females do not live in that close a proximity together.

This is not saying that they will not produce as a pair, but my results have only ever shown me that this occurs with young, first litter stock.

For housing, l have found that a glass tank of minimum requirements 24" x 12" x 12" will prove beneficial and therefore anything that you decide to dedicate to the species larger than this will only prove more beneficial.

I give both these species a deep substrate level of anywhere between 4-6" of shavings, and place in below the level some large smooth sided pebbles so as to develop the appearance of mounds or dunes. For this species l provide no branches or such like’ but due provide an ample supply of straws and hays for them to develop their nest. A past time which they seem to favour quite highly next to eating and of course sleeping.

If you keep them together as a pair, and they do litter then take the young out at the age of about six weeks, do not leave them in for any longer a period as it will result in bloodshed from both the female to young males and the male to young females. Socially they are fine when the young are less than six weeks but the story is quite different with older youngsters.

Tail biting is a thing that l recognise with both this species and Bushy Tailed Jirds. So only keep them in pairs.

Feeding this species is as easy as it is to feed all the previously mentioned species:

A good quality rodent mix, a healthy supply of fresh vegetables including sweet potato, carrot and Swede, they do not like dandelions and the root of this weed, culture feeds such as morios, mealworms and waxes will be greatly appreciated, l would recommend a bowl at least once a week of mixed culture ingredients.

Like all the other species mentioned provide a water bottle.