Shaw's Jird

Scientific name: Meriones shawi
Size: 30cm long including tail
Lifespan: 4-6 years
Natural range: coastal desert regions of North Africa and the Middle East

Housing

• aquarium with wire mesh lid is best or a cage with a deep metal tray
• allow at least 30gal per individual
• females are extremely territorial and should be housed individually
• males can be housed in pairs
• Bedding: aspen
• Accessories: solid metal wheel, branches, tubes, nest box, wood chews

Food

• mixture of high quality commercial rodent seed mix, kitten kibble and rodent blocks
• should have free access to timothy hay
• fresh fruits and veggies weekly
• occassional mealworm or cricket

Breeding

• Maturity: 2 months in males and 3 months in females
• Gestation: 21-23 days
• Litter size: 2-6
• breeding is best achieved in a pair situation, as females will fight in the presence of a male
• females will also become aggressive to the male if she feels overcrowded
• eyes open at 14 days old
• should be weaned by 5 weeks old