Interview with Antigone Means and Annie Smith

Positives of jirds as pets?
AM: There are lots of things to love about jirds as pets. They are pretty long lived for a small mammal (3 to 5 years is what the books say, and mine have all lived to around 4 or so), they don't tend to nip or bite, and they are pretty low smell for a small rodent. Not to mention they are very graceful and beautiful.
AS: Great, they don't bite and are very friendly.

Negatives of jirds as pets?
AM: DON'T pick them up by the tail! I would never do this to any small rodent (though with some species it doesn't cause harm), but we had a traumatic incident where my 2 year old daughter snuck into the critter room and wanted to hold the jird. I came in as she was picking it up by the tail, and the fur on about the last 2" came off. I guess it's their safety mechanism because there was very little blood and it healed rapidly, but it was pretty horrifying.
AS: They breed as readily as mice.

Anecdotes/stories about your jird?
AM: I originally had three, then they had a few babies and I kept one. The baby is now about 4 and is our sole jird. I have noticed that it is jumpier and seems less happy since its last companion passed on, so I would recommend keeping more than one.

Do they have scent glands or an offensive smell?
AM: No. They are low smell for a small animal.
AS: No.

What is their average lifespan?
AM: Ours have averaged about 4 years.
AS: 5-6 years

Do they tolerate interaction?
AM: They are quite curious and will walk right into your hand, but they treat you more like terrain. They aren't particularly interested in a friendship with humans, but are good about being handled. They almost never bite or nip, unless they are really, really scared.
AS: Yes

What is their general personality, disposition, and attitude?
AM: They are friendly, active, and curious.
AS: Very friendly and intelligent

Are they sweet and petable, or mischievious and playful?
AM: Curious and inquisitive.
AS: Both at times.

Are they hyper, or more sedate when being handled?
AM: A bit more on the hyper side, though not totally.
AS: Possibly more sedate.

How destructive are they in their cage?
AM: They chew everything!
AS: Not at all.

Are their any problems associated with their claws?
AM: No
AS: No

How messy are their droppings?
AM: Not very. Just tiny pellets.
AS: Not messy. Much like a fancy mouse.

Can they be litter box trained?
AM: We never tried, but I doubt it.
AS: Probably not.

Can they be trained?
AM: We never tried. I think about any animal can be trained if you have patience and knowledge of behavioral principles, but they aren't a species that is particularly known for training!
AS: Tricks.

What size cage do they need?
AM: A 10 gallon aquarium is fine for 2.
AS: Much like that of a fancy mouse.

What is the best diet for them?
AM: We fed rat chow with additional fresh fruit/veggies offered a couple of times a week, as well as occasional live insects.
AS: Hamster/gerbil mixture

What vaccinations/vet care do they require?
AM: None, unless they get sick.
AS: Only if ill.

At what age would it be best to get one?
AM: It probably doesn't make a difference.
AS: 7 weeks

Are they difficult to breed?
AM: Ours were pretty slow breeders.
AS: No.

What kind of person should own these animals?
AM: Someone who can appreciate that they are handleable but aren't going to be your best buddy. They are beautiful creatures who are still pretty close to the wild, and will make you smile with their antics!
AS: Most anyone who is willing to dedicate to their few needs.