Mongolian Jird

Overview

The Mongolian Jird (Meriones unguiculatus) - also called the Mongolian gerbil - is a small rodent that has been a popular pet in the UK since 1964. They are a gentle and hardy animal, now found in pet shops throughout the country.

In terms of size, their body is typically 110-135 mm long with a tail of 95-120 mm, and they weigh between 60-130 g. Adult males tend to be a little larger than females.

In the wild, Mongolian Jirds live in grasslands, shrublands and deserts across China, Mongolia and Russia - places with cool dry winters and hot summers. Thanks to years of selective breeding for the pet trade, they now come in over 20 different coat colours and patterns.

Temperament & behaviour

Mongolian Jirds are social animals that live in groups in the wild, and they carry this friendliness into home life too. They are typically not aggressive and rarely bite unless stressed or frightened - making them a great choice for owners who want a pet that enjoys being handled.

They rely heavily on their sense of smell to recognise familiar companions, so it is important to be aware that gerbils can react badly to unfamiliar scents. Groups of gerbils often have a dominant individual, and introducing a stranger can cause conflict.

In the wild, Jirds live in family groups with one main breeding pair and their offspring. They are regarded as monogamous, often pairing with one mate for life - which gives you a sense of just how bonded these little animals can become.

Care basics

Mongolian Jirds do best when kept with at least one companion, as they are naturally social creatures. Keeping them in pairs or small groups helps keep them happy and active.

In the wild they eat seeds, grasses, leaves, bulbs and herbs. As pets they can also enjoy fruits such as pears, apples, melons and oranges, and vegetables including carrots, cucumbers and pumpkin.

One great thing about Jirds is that they have adapted kidneys that produce very little waste - this means they are naturally clean pets with very little odour, making them straightforward to care for in a home setting.

Handle your gerbils gently and with care. Never pick them up by the tail, as tails can be injured easily. Dropping or falls can also cause serious harm, so always handle them close to a safe surface.

Health awareness

It is worth knowing that between 20 and 50% of pet gerbils can experience seizures, which may be triggered by fright, handling or a new environment. Seizures can range from mild to severe. If you notice this in your gerbil, it is a good idea to speak with a vet and avoid known triggers such as sudden frights.

Tumours are fairly common in pet gerbils, particularly in females over the age of two. These can appear as lumps or swellings around the ears, feet, abdomen or base of the tail - so it is helpful to gently check your gerbil regularly and seek vet advice if you spot anything unusual.

Misaligned front teeth can sometimes occur due to injury or poor nutrition, and may lead to difficulty eating. Signs to watch for include a reduced appetite, drooling, weight loss or bad breath.

Gerbils can also be susceptible to Tyzzer's disease, a bacterial illness that spreads quickly between animals in close contact. Watch for signs such as ruffled fur, hunched posture, lethargy or loose droppings, and contact a vet promptly if you are concerned. General good husbandry - including avoiding stress and ensuring your gerbils always have fresh food and water - goes a long way towards keeping them well.

This is general awareness only, not veterinary advice. Always consult a vet about your pet's health.

Fun facts

Mongolian Jirds first came to the attention of the Western world in 1866, when French missionary Father Armand David sent some to a museum in Paris - describing them simply as "yellow rats".

These little animals have an impressively wide hearing range, from low-frequency foot drumming all the way up to high-frequency chirps. Male gerbils can even produce ultrasonic sounds that are completely beyond human hearing.

In the wild, a family group of Jirds can roam an area of up to 1,550 square metres, living in a central burrow that can have as many as 10-20 separate exits - quite the underground home.

Thanks to their naturally efficient kidneys - evolved to conserve water in dry desert habitats - Mongolian Jirds produce very little urine and are one of the tidiest small pets you can keep.

Source

Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongolian_gerbil