----- Original Message -----
From: Blue <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, July 09, 2001 4:20 PM
Subject: Re: OT - Shaw's Jirds
> Hi Sue,
>
> I have heard from a breeder in Canada that UK Shaw's
> are different in temperment than hers. I believe she
> has a breeding pair that live together even with
> litters, etc. Do you think she is just fortunate or
> are there regional temperment differences?
>
> Cheers,
> Christina
Hi Christina,
There are at least 2 sub-species of Shaw's Jirds around in the UK. Several
species of jirds look very similar and there are even instances of jird
species interbreeding with limited fertility. So, yes, your jirds may well
be different to mine. Different species are sociable to different extents.
For example Sundevall's jird, which is smaller but otherwise similar looking
to Shaw's are extremely sociable and thrive in groups. Do you have pictures
of your jirds anywhere on the web? Look at the pictures on the NGS website
of the different species. The Shaw's jirds I breed are very big animals.
About the size of adult female rats. A large male can weigh 300g. Other
jird species are smaller, though of course they look big in comparison with
a Mongolian gerbil
Cheers
Sue
