Pet Wiki

Bushy-tailed Jird

Sekeetamys calurus

Also called Bushy-tailed dipodil

A lively, social jird that likes to live in a group, sleeping in a huddle and grooming companions.

SizeSmall
Length9.8 to 12.8 cm (4 to 5 in)1
Lifespan1 to 4 years1
CoatSoft desert fur with a long, plumed tail
OriginRocky deserts of eastern Egypt, the Sinai Peninsula, southern Israel, southern Jordan and central Saudi Arabia, with records also from Sudan, at roughly 90 to 1,200 m elevation.21
Last checked2026-09-30
SpeciesShort profile
Feathery, upright bushy tail
Agile, confident climber
Sociable with its own kind
21

Personality what they are like

A lively, social jird that likes to live in a group, sleeping in a huddle and grooming companions. It is a night owl, most active from late evening until early morning, and spends its waking hours exploring, climbing and storing food.1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

  • Sand bathevery 3 days
  • Spot cleanevery 3 days
  • Deep cleanevery month
  • Chew toys refreshevery 2 weeks
  • Vet check-upevery year

Coat and looks how to spot one

Soft desert fur with a long, plumed tail

A neat, big-eared jird with long back feet whose soles are bare, which helps it grip rock. Its signature feature is a well-furred tail held up like a plume, with long hairs that fan out for a feathery look and a white tip at the end. Pale rings around the eyes give it a wide-eyed face.21

ColoursYellowish to reddish brown back flecked with blackPaler flanksWhite to whitish undersideTail brownish grey to greyish black with a white tip21

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very active at night. Being a natural rock climber, it benefits from height and climbing structures as well as space to explore and dig.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Keeps its coat tidy through its own and mutual grooming. Its food-caching habit means stored food should be checked and refreshed regularly.1

Home where they are happiest

Wild animals shelter under rocks and boulders in very dry, rocky terrain where yearly rainfall is often below 100 mm. A dry, escape-proof enclosure with rocks or branches to climb and hiding places to retreat to mirrors this natural setting.21

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivorous: in the wild it eats seeds, herbs, parts of small shrubs and insects, and it stores food for later.1

Company who they like around

Prefers group living; wild animals sleep huddled together and groom one another. Communicates mostly without sound, using foot thumping and scent marks from a belly gland.1

The story where it all began

The species was scientifically described by Oldfield Thomas in 1892 and is the only member of its genus, Sekeetamys. It is a desert specialist of the Middle East and north-east Africa, and its range in Israel is reported to be spreading northwards.2

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is the only species in the genus Sekeetamys.2

  2. 2

    Its resting metabolic rate is only about half (47%) of what would be expected for its size, an energy-saving adaptation to desert life.1

  3. 3

    Instead of calling out, it warns others by thumping its feet and marks territory with scent from a gland on its belly.1

  4. 4

    The bare soles of its long hind feet give it good grip on smooth rock.3

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Wild species assessed as Least Concern with a stable population trend2

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 Bushy-tailed Jird?

Feed your jird a small amount of food daily, but because it loves to stash food, check and refresh its stored supply regularly. For exact portions, ask your vet.1

What should a Bushy-tailed Jird eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Offer a mix of seeds, herbs, and occasional insects. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and others listed by the ASPCA.14

Should I bathe a Bushy-tailed Jird?

No need for baths; your jird keeps itself clean. Pet Wiki's plan suggests a sand bath every three days to help with grooming.1 Pet Wiki plan

Does a Bushy-tailed Jird need brushing?

Brushing is not needed; your jird's coat stays tidy through self-grooming and mutual grooming with friends.1

How do I look after a Bushy-tailed Jird's nails and teeth?

Provide chew toys to help keep teeth healthy, as recommended in Pet Wiki's plan. For nail care, consult your vet. Pet Wiki plan

How much space and exercise does a Bushy-tailed Jird need?

Give your jird a spacious enclosure with climbing structures, rocks, and hiding spots. It is very active at night and loves to explore and dig.12

Should a Bushy-tailed Jird live alone or with friends?

Your jird is a social animal and should live with at least one friend. They enjoy sleeping huddled together and grooming each other.1

How long does a Bushy-tailed Jird live?

A bushy-tailed jird typically lives between 1 and 4 years.1

Is a Bushy-tailed Jird a good pet for children?

This lively, social jird can be a good pet for older children who understand its nocturnal habits. Always supervise interactions and handle gently.1

How do I hold a Bushy-tailed Jird?

Handle your jird gently, supporting its body securely. For the best technique, ask a breeder or vet.

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.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Animal Diversity Web - Sekeetamys calurus animaldiversity.orgused for size, weight, lifespan, behaviour, diet, social, fun facts
  2. Bushy-tailed jird - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, range, coat, weight, history, IUCN
  3. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  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.