Emily Forrester <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote
>Hi all,
>
>It looks very possible I will be getting 2 or 3 male bushy-tailed jirds in a
>few weeks. For those of you who have had experience with these, I'd like
>some input on a few questions. I've read about them on several websites, but
>I really think nothing beats a personal response from personal experience.
>So ...
>
>What cage is best for up to three males? The options are:
>--20 gallon high aquarium w/wire lid
>--60-quart Sterilite-type plastic container w/wire lid
>--12" x 24" x 12"H wire cage (1/2" x 2" spacing)
>
>Would three males be ok in one of these cages?
Yes.
> Of these, I'd prefer one of
>the latter two because the aquarium is so heavy. I'd assume I would have a
>big mess with litter with the wire cage, but that might be helped a little by
>covering it with 1/4" spacing mesh wire ("hardware wire"), which may be
>needed anyway.
Bushy-tails live in very dry hamada deserts where they clamber around on
the rocks and nest in the crevices between rocks etc. So it is nice to
give them something to climb about on. On the other hand, their coat is
fine and they absolutely must have a dust bath all the time.
Many people keep them on sand to ensure their coat stays in good
condition. If you mix a cage where they can climb with sand you will
have a big mess. I would go for the deep aquarium with sand.
>
>On handling/taming - most of the info I've read say the jirds aren't likely
>to bite, but would treat me as terrain versus an animal that is more
>interactive ... much like gerbils, except more active. How easy it is to get
>them used to me and how likely would they be to bite before they are used to
>me? What would be a recommended taming procedure?
They are not very timid. I have never known one bite. Just let them
clamber about on you.
--
Julian
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
National Gerbil Society
http://www.gerbils.co.uk/
