Pet Wiki

Fat-tailed Gerbil

Pachyuromys duprasi

Also called Duprasi, Duprasi gerbil, Doop, Fat-tailed jird, Beer mat gerbil

SpeciesShort profile

From The northern Sahara: desert west of the Nile Delta in Egypt, and Libya, Tunisia and Algeria.12

At a glance the quick version

Length10 to 10.8 cm12
Lifespan2 to 7 years12
Sizetiny
Very docile
Soft, fluffy coat
Easy-going to care for
23

Coat and looks how to spot one

Long, soft, fluffy coat; thick club-shaped tail

A round, flattish little gerbil with hardly any visible neck, a pointed face and big oval eyes. Its long soft fur is sandy yellow to grey-tan with dark tips on the back and white on the belly and feet. The short, thick, nearly bare tail is shaped like a club and works as a fat and water store.123

ColoursSandy yellow to grey-tan with dark-tipped hairs aboveWhite belly and feet12

Personality what they are like

Known as one of the gentlest Egyptian rodents and increasingly liked as a pet for its calm nature and straightforward care.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Most active at dusk and during the night. A natural burrower that digs simple tunnels, so it enjoys digging and exploring.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Grooms itself. The thickness of the tail is a handy everyday indicator of condition, as the tail stores fat.2

Home where they are happiest

In the wild it lives on sandy or stony desert ground with little vegetation and digs simple burrows about a metre deep, so it appreciates a deep, diggable substrate.12

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Mainly an insect eater in the wild. In captivity it is fed live insects such as mealworms and crickets alongside grain, vegetables and fruit.12

Company who they like around

Lives solitarily or in loose colonies in the wild, so pairing needs care and close observation.12

The story where it all began

French zoologist Fernand Lataste described the species in 1880 from Laghouat in Algeria, and it is the only member of its genus. It is becoming an increasingly popular pet thanks to its calm nature, and the UK's National Gerbil Society runs show classes for it.124

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It stores fat in its tail much as a camel stores reserves in its hump.1

  2. 2

    Courtship looks like a fight: male and female rear up on their hind legs and wrestle while squeaking loudly.2

  3. 3

    It is the only species in the genus Pachyuromys.1

  4. 4

    Its skull has enormously enlarged hearing chambers, called auditory bullae.2

  5. 5

    With its round body and pointed nose it is often mistaken for a dwarf hamster.1

Recognised by the official bits

National Gerbil Society (UK)
Has its own Duprasi classes (54 and 55) in the NGS standard show schedule.4
IUCN Red List
Assessed as Least Concern.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Fat-tailed Gerbil. 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 Fat-tailed Gerbil?

Feeding frequency varies with age and activity. It's best to ask your exotic-pet vet for a schedule tailored to your gerbil.

What should a Fat-tailed Gerbil eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Your Fat-tailed Gerbil enjoys live insects like mealworms and crickets, plus grain, vegetables and fruit. Avoid dangerous foods such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and avocado as listed by ASPCA.125

Should I bathe a Fat-tailed Gerbil?

No water baths needed, your gerbil grooms itself. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a sand bath every three days to keep its coat clean.2 Pet Wiki plan

Does a Fat-tailed Gerbil need brushing?

Your gerbil's long, soft coat is self-groomed, so brushing isn't necessary. Just enjoy its fluffy appearance.2

How do I look after a Fat-tailed Gerbil's nails and teeth?

For teeth, provide chew toys, Furry Diary suggests refreshing them every two weeks. Nail care varies; ask your vet for guidance. Pet Wiki plan

How much space and exercise does a Fat-tailed Gerbil need?

Your gerbil is most active at dusk and night and loves to dig. Provide a deep, diggable substrate and plenty of space to explore and burrow.12

Should a Fat-tailed Gerbil live alone or with friends?

In the wild it lives alone or in loose colonies, so it can be kept alone. If pairing, do so carefully and observe closely.12

How long does a Fat-tailed Gerbil live?

Fat-tailed Gerbils typically live between 2 and 7 years with good care.12

Is a Fat-tailed Gerbil a good pet for children?

Yes, it's known as one of the gentlest Egyptian rodents with a calm nature, making it a good pet for gentle, supervised children.2

How do I hold a Fat-tailed Gerbil?

Handle your gerbil gently and support its body fully. Its calm temperament makes it easy to hold with care.2

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. Fat-tailed gerbil - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, origin, weight, length, lifespan, coat, tail, diet, behaviour, history, fun facts
  2. Animal Diversity Web - Pachyuromys duprasi animaldiversity.orgused for range, mass, length, lifespan, coat, temperament, diet, courtship, pet popularity, IUCN status
  3. Gerbil - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for duprasi kept as pet, coat
  4. National Gerbil Society - Standard show schedule gerbils.co.ukused for recognition (show classes)
  5. 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.