Pet Wiki

Shaw's Jird

Meriones shawi

Also called Shaw's gerbil, Shaw jird

SpeciesShort profile

From North Africa: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, in semi-desert, farmland, pasture and rural gardens.1

At a glance the quick version

Lifespan1 to 2 years1
Sizesmall
Larger than a Mongolian gerbil
Hardy desert survivor
Show-class species in the UK
12

Coat and looks how to spot one

Short sandy agouti coat

A large jird, around 36 cm long including a tail that makes up about half of that. The coat is sandy, from fairly dark to quite light, sometimes with a white spot on the head, and the ears are bigger and less furry than a Mongolian gerbil's.1

ColoursSandy, dark to lightOccasionally a white head spot1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Like other jirds it is a digger that builds burrows for storing food and keeping cool, so room to dig suits its natural behaviour.3

Home where they are happiest

Native to dry North African country; jirds dig burrows to store food and to stay cool and conserve water, so a deep diggable substrate mirrors its natural home.13

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Jirds in the wild eat roots, seeds, fruit and insects.3

The story where it all began

The French naturalist Duvernoy described Shaw's jird in 1842. It belongs to the same genus as the Mongolian gerbil but is noticeably larger, and the UK's National Gerbil Society runs dedicated show classes for it.132

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its very efficient kidneys let it cope with long spells without water.1

  2. 2

    Its tail makes up roughly half of its total length of about 36 cm.1

  3. 3

    In the Algerian highlands it is one of the main foods of barn owls.1

  4. 4

    UK gerbil shows give young Shaw's jirds a longer junior period (under 20 weeks) than Mongolian gerbils (under 13 weeks).2

Recognised by the official bits

National Gerbil Society (UK)
Has its own Shaw's Jird classes (48 and 49) in the NGS standard show schedule; the young-stock class is for animals under 20 weeks rather than the usual 13.2
IUCN Red List
Assessed as Least Concern.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Shaw's Jird. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Hamster and Gerbil Fresh Veggie and Herb Mix

A simple, safe daily supplement that provides essential vitamins, hydration and enrichment for hamsters and gerbils.

You need

  • 1 small piece of carrot (about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small piece of broccoli (about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small piece of cucumber (about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small piece of apple (without seeds, about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small leaf of basil or parsley

How

  1. Wash all fresh ingredients thoroughly.
  2. Cut the carrot, broccoli, cucumber and apple into pieces no larger than a pea.
  3. Tear the herb leaf into tiny pieces.
  4. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.
  5. Offer a total of 1.5 to 4.5 teaspoons of this mix per day, depending on the size of your pet.

How much: 1.5 to 4.5 teaspoons per day for hamsters and gerbils

Recipe from Oxbow Animal Health

Rat-Friendly Veggie and Egg Treat

Rats are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet. This treat provides protein and enrichment, and encourages natural foraging behaviour.

You need

  • 1 small slice of carrot (about 1cm thick)
  • 1 small floret of broccoli
  • 1 small slice of cucumber (about 1cm thick)
  • 1 small slice of apple (without seeds, about 1cm thick)
  • 1 small piece of cooked egg (about the size of a pea)

How

  1. Wash all fresh ingredients thoroughly.
  2. Cut carrot, broccoli, cucumber and apple into small pieces (about 1cm cubes).
  3. Cook an egg until hard-boiled, then cool and peel. Take a small piece about the size of a pea.
  4. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.
  5. Offer this as part of your rat’s daily food allowance, not in addition to it.

How much: A small amount as part of daily food allowance for rats

Recipe from RSPCA

Small Furries Safe Snack Plate

A selection of safe, low-sugar vegetables and herbs that can be offered as occasional treats to hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice.

You need

  • 1 small piece of carrot (about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small piece of broccoli (about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small piece of cucumber (about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small piece of apple (without seeds, about the size of a pea)
  • 1 small leaf of basil or parsley

How

  1. Wash all fresh ingredients thoroughly.
  2. Cut carrot, broccoli, cucumber and apple into pieces no larger than a pea.
  3. Tear the herb leaf into tiny pieces.
  4. Arrange on a small plate or scatter in the cage for foraging enrichment.
  5. Offer only in small amounts alongside their regular pelleted food.

How much: A small amount as an occasional treat for hamsters, gerbils, rats and mice

Recipe from Burgess Pet Care

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Shaw's Jird?

Feed your Shaw's Jird daily with a small amount of food, as they naturally forage and store food. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests refreshing chew toys every two weeks, but for meals, offer a balanced diet once a day and remove any uneaten fresh foods after a few hours. Always check with your vet for the exact amount based on your jird's age and activity.3 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Shaw's Jird eat, and which foods are dangerous?

In the wild, Shaw's Jirds eat roots, seeds, fruit, and insects, so a good diet includes a quality gerbil mix, fresh veggies, and occasional mealworms. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and salty or sugary treats, as listed by ASPCA. Always ask your vet for a safe list.34

Should I bathe a Shaw's Jird?

No, you should not bathe a Shaw's Jird in water, as it can stress them and damage their coat. Instead, offer a sand bath every three days, as suggested in Furry Diary's plan, which helps keep their fur clean and healthy. Pet Wiki plan

Does a Shaw's Jird need brushing?

Shaw's Jirds have a short, sandy coat that does not require brushing. They keep themselves clean with sand baths, so just provide a sand bath every few days and they will manage their own grooming.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Shaw's Jird's nails and teeth?

Provide chew toys and wooden blocks to help wear down their teeth naturally, as their teeth grow continuously. For nails, if they become too long, ask your vet or an exotic pet specialist to trim them, as improper trimming can hurt them. Pet Wiki plan

How much space and exercise does a Shaw's Jird need?

Shaw's Jirds are diggers that love to burrow, so give them a large cage with deep, diggable substrate like aspen shavings. They need room to run and explore, so a spacious enclosure with tunnels and a solid exercise wheel is ideal.31

Should a Shaw's Jird live alone or with friends?

Shaw's Jirds can be social, but it varies by individual; some do well alone while others enjoy a same-sex pair or group. Introduce them carefully and watch for aggression, and ask a good breeder or vet for advice on your jird's personality.

How long does a Shaw's Jird live?

Shaw's Jirds typically live for 1 to 2 years, so enjoy their company and provide consistent care. Their short lifespan means regular vet check-ups are important to catch any health issues early.1

Is a Shaw's Jird a good pet for children?

Shaw's Jirds can be good for older children who handle them gently, as they are active and curious. However, they are delicate and may nip if scared, so always supervise interactions and teach calm handling.

How do I hold a Shaw's Jird?

To hold a Shaw's Jird, scoop it up gently with both hands, supporting its body and letting it feel secure. Never grab it by the tail, and let it get used to your scent first by offering treats from your hand.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Mongolian GerbilPersian JirdFat-tailed Gerbil

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Shaw's jird - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, weight, length, lifespan, coat, ears, kidneys, barn owls, description year, IUCN status
  2. National Gerbil Society - Standard show schedule gerbils.co.ukused for recognition (show classes), junior age limit
  3. Jird - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for genus diet, burrowing
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.