Pet Wiki

Persian Jird

Meriones persicus

SpeciesShort profile

From Dry rocky hillsides and semi-desert from Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan through Iraq, Iran and Turkmenistan to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, with records from Saudi Arabia.1

At a glance the quick version

Length15 cm1
Sizesmall
Athletic climber and jumper
Long tail with a brushy tip
Adaptable, even lives close to people in the wild
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

Short fur; long tail ending in a brush

A sizeable jird with a body of around 15 cm and a tail slightly longer than that, finished with a tufted brush at the tip. It has brown upperparts and a white belly.1

ColoursBrown backWhite belly1

Personality what they are like

An energetic, agile jird that enjoys climbing and leaping. In the wild it is adaptable and comfortable in rocky places and even around buildings.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Highly active and athletic; it needs room to climb and jump as well as to dig.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Needs no coat grooming; offer hiding spots and keep the enclosure dry and clean.1

Home where they are happiest

Keepers are advised to provide a large cage that gives space for climbing and leaping. Wild jirds shelter in small burrows or under overhanging rocks, so hides and rocky structures are welcome.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

In the wild it eats dry plant material and grains, topped up with small insects.1

The story where it all began

Described by William Thomas Blanford in 1875, the Persian jird is widespread and common across south-west and south Asia. It is plentiful enough that researchers have suggested it as a useful species for environmental monitoring.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its tail is a little longer than its body and ends in a brushy tuft.1

  2. 2

    Wild Persian jirds sometimes live close to people, for example under walls.1

  3. 3

    A captive Persian jird has been recorded living to about 6 years.2

  4. 4

    Females usually raise two litters a year of around seven pups each.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Wild species assessed as Least Concern1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Persian 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 Persian Jird?

Feeding frequency isn't fixed in the wild, so it's best to ask your vet for a schedule. Furry Diary's starting plan doesn't specify feeding times, but a balanced diet of dry plant material, grains, and occasional insects is recommended.1 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Persian Jird eat, and which foods are dangerous?

In the wild they eat dry plant material, grains, and small insects. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, check the full list from ASPCA. Always ask your vet for a safe, balanced diet.13

Should I bathe a Persian Jird?

No water baths are needed. Furry Diary suggests a sand bath every 3 days to keep their coat clean. Just keep the enclosure dry and clean, and they'll stay tidy.1 Pet Wiki plan

Does a Persian Jird need brushing?

No, they have short fur and need no coat grooming. A sand bath every few days is enough to maintain their coat. Focus on providing hiding spots and a clean environment instead.1 Pet Wiki plan

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

Care for nails and teeth isn't covered in the available information. It varies by individual, so ask your exotic-pet vet for guidance. Providing chew toys (refreshed every 14 days per Furry Diary's plan) may help wear down teeth naturally. Pet Wiki plan

How much space and exercise does a Persian Jird need?

They are highly active and athletic, needing room to climb, jump, and dig. A large cage with hides and rocky structures is ideal, as wild jirds shelter in burrows or under rocks. Give them plenty of space to leap and explore.1

Should a Persian Jird live alone or with friends?

Social needs aren't specified in the available facts. It's best to ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for advice on companionship. Some jirds may be kept alone or in pairs depending on their temperament.

How long does a Persian Jird live?

Lifespan isn't provided in the information we have. It varies, so ask your vet or a breeder for typical longevity. With proper care, they can live several years.

Is a Persian Jird a good pet for children?

They are energetic and agile, which may be exciting but also require careful handling. Suitability for children varies, so ask a breeder or vet. Always supervise interactions to keep both child and jird safe.1

How do I hold a Persian Jird?

Handling techniques aren't covered in the available facts. It's best to learn from a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet. They are agile and may leap, so gentle, confident handling is important.

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. Persian jird - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for range, size, coat, behaviour, housing, diet, history, IUCN
  2. AnAge - Meriones persicus genomics.senescence.infoused for adult weight, record captive longevity
  3. 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.