Source: Wikimedia Commons
Sundevall's Jird
IntermediateDesert rodent similar to gerbils but larger. Gentle temperament and easy to tame. Medium-sized and handleable.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
18〜26℃
Lifespan
4-6 years
Size
12-16cm / 80-120g
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Gerbil pellets, seeds, hay, dried vegetables
About
Sundevall's jird (Meriones crassus), also known as the thick-tailed jird, is a medium-sized gerbil distributed across the desert and semi-arid zones of North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, including Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. Adults measure 12–16 cm in body length with a well-furred tail of similar length, and weigh 80–120 g—larger than the common Mongolian gerbil. Their coat is sandy to pale brown. Well-adapted to desert life, they enjoy sand-bathing and engage in active burrowing. A glass enclosure with at least 10 cm of deep, diggable substrate is recommended. Diet consists primarily of seeds, grains, and dried vegetation; high-moisture foods should be offered sparingly. Optimal temperature is 20–28 °C. They are social by nature and should be housed in pairs or small same-sex groups. Common health concerns include neoplasia, skin conditions, and GI disorders. Lifespan is 3–5 years.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Origin
Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya
Lifespan
4-6 years
Size
12-16cm / 80-120g
Temperature
18〜26℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Gerbil pellets, seeds, hay, dried vegetables
Care Guide
Cage
Glass cage with deep bedding. Satisfies digging instinct
Sand Bath
Desert species — sand bath essential. Provide sand area
Temperament
Gentle and tameable. Gradually accustom to handling
Notes
Provide chew toys as a rodent. Prevents teeth overgrowth
IntermediateDesert speciesGentleHandleable
Sundevall's Jird FAQ
QHow difficult is it to keep Sundevall's Jird?
A
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Sundevall's Jird?
A
The ideal temperature for Sundevall's Jird is 18〜26℃. Recommended humidity is 40〜60%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QWhat is the lifespan of Sundevall's Jird?
A
The average lifespan of Sundevall's Jird is 4-6 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
QHow large does Sundevall's Jird get?
A
Sundevall's Jird typically reaches 12-16cm / 80-120g as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
QWhat should I feed Sundevall's Jird?
A
Sundevall's Jird feeds on: Gerbil pellets, seeds, hay, dried vegetables. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
QWhat is the typical price for Sundevall's Jird?
A
The price of Sundevall's Jird varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Sundevall's Jird Q&A
Related Species
Find listings for this species
Browse Small Animal ListingsRelated Articles
Complete Beginner's Guide to Small Pet Keeping
Everything beginners need to start keeping small pets: species comparison, cage and bedding selection, feeding, temperature management, and preparation checklist.
Small Pet Cage Setup Guide — Optimal Layouts by Species
Species-specific cage setup guide for hamsters, rabbits, chinchillas, hedgehogs, and guinea pigs: sizing, bedding, accessories, and cleaning tips.
Small Pet Health Checklist — Daily Observation & Warning Signs
Daily health checklist for small pets: appetite, droppings, fur condition, behavior changes, choosing an exotic vet, and emergency first aid.
Summer & Winter Care for Small Pets — Keeping Safe Without AC
Seasonal care for small pets: preventing hamster torpor, rabbit heatstroke prevention, chinchilla summer management, and heater/cooling product recommendations.