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Introduction

Sekeetamys calurus do not share their genus with any other species, and show many phenotypical differences to the true jirds of the Meriones genus. They are no bigger than a full size Mongolian gerbil. I think they have a pear shape about them, from the pointy nose tapering out to their proportionately broad rear. Its body is finished with, as its name suggests, a bushy tail, which is usually just as long as the body. They have a golden dark orange coat on top and as is characteristic with most if not all natural colour gerbils and jirds, it has white under parts. There is black ticking covering the topcoat and the tail is covered with dark hairs, the tails of dominant males appears bushier than the sub-ordinates.

Naturally inhabiting rocky, dry areas of Egypt and Arabia, they were discovered in the 1950's.

They are becoming relatively common in the UK, as I have seen them advertised in two shops, although no specimens were present. I guess this shows they were not uncommon enough not to be snapped up as soon as they were displayed.

My oldest individual is around two years old and doing well, I know of an individual that is still doing well bordering on five years of age.

I know of no other used names for this species except the Bushy-tailed gerbil, informally known as 'Bushies'.

Feeding

Bushy-tailed jirds require a diet that is higher in protien than most other gerbils/jirds, it can be given in the form of live food, dry cat food or chicken, and also rat food is usually higher in protein. Although rat food does have a higher protein level, it is usually accompanied by excess dry biscuit content, which is not favoured by the Bushy tails.

They appreciate all fruit and vegetables but as usual citrus fruit and lettuce should be kept to a minimum.

They will 'hunt' for and prey on any live food given and all it will be eaten quickly. Cuttlefish and/or limestone blocks are needed and relished.

Housing

These species seems to be adept at climbing and therefore I usually keep mine in terrariums with a cage extension allowing long and complex branches to be used. I often set a few shelves resting on the glass supports - found on most tanks - to make more tiers. The horizontal wire bars of the cage annex allow climbing as well.

A nest box seems a necessity and wood ones are not chewed, which is a bonus. I have used a plant pot and a finch box. Not being too bothered with burrowing only a shallow litter is required topped hay is ideal.

I find bedding is rarely used but tubes - cardboard or otherwise - are liked.

Behaviour

They are very active from late evening to early morning and prefer the cover of darkness before they emerge.

Little aggression is ever observed, though individuals often appear with nipped tails, this is more likely with a low protein diet.

BT jirds should never be kept alone, keep them in pairs, trios or colonies depending on your needs and space. I have never had any problems introducing adult individuals and my source of these animals has had no problems inserting an adult male into an establish colony.

Breeding

Mating is quite often obvious and is usually initiates around late evening. The male will chase the female for many hours. The litter of about 3-5 is born after a gestation of 21-23 days. The first litter is usually no smaller than any other.

Some litters are eaten, but if enough calcium and protein are given this should not be a problem. If you suspect a litter has been born try not to disturb them for a few days to increase the chances of survival. Weaning occurs at 4-5 weeks.

There are apparently two strains of bushies, one that breeds well in a colony and one that does not. I guess one will just have to experiment with their animals, or just be save and breed in pairs.