Today, jerboas are a fairly common animal, which not only lives in the wild, but is also kept at home. When you look at these animals, natural questions may arise, for example, about what jerboas eat and where these crumbs live, what their lifestyle is and how to keep them in the apartment.
Short description
This animal has a small stature, depending on the species, its body can be from 5 cm to 25. Compared to the body, the head of the animal looks large, and the muzzle has a blunt shape. Eyes of jerboa attract large sizes. Also surprising is its tail, which is longer than the body and often ends with a brush. The hind limbs of these babies are very developed, they are designed for powerful jumps. The front paws, on the contrary, are very short and are only suitable for digging minks and keeping food near the mouth. Its round, often large ears speak of a good hearing, which allows the jerboa to survive in the wild. This mammalian species belongs to the order called "rodents". Jerboa have sharp incisors that serve them not only to nibble hard cereals, but also for the construction of minks. Their external characteristics are somewhat reminiscent of a kangaroo. They also move on their hind limbs, but the curious thing is that these kids are able to reach speeds of up to 50 km / h, and they can jump up to three meters. According to modern data, jerboas there are 26 species.
Where do they live
Typically, these animals are common in deserts and semi-deserts. Only certain subspecies live in the steppe zone. Others prefer to live on high mountains. Depending on the territory in which the animal is distributed, each species has adapted to the special soil and conditions. Also, the habitat is reflected in what the jerboa eats. These animals live in makeshift minks. In their shelters, they spend the whole day and only with the onset of dusk get out of hiding. Returning with an early dawn to their homes, they close behind them the “door” that they make of the earth. Interestingly, minks have emergency moves. If someone finds a dwelling in a fresh cork and starts digging it up, a jerboa pops up in an unexpected place, punching the roof of the cave with its own head. Residential mink is located in the far part of the main passage, it is usually covered with fine grass, on which the animal rests after night travels.
Food
It has already been noted that this rodent is a night traveler. At this time, he goes in search of food. But what does the jerboa live in the flat terrain? Usually, in order to obtain the necessary microelements, the animal eats insects and larvae; it is also in search of bulbs and tubers of plants and does not mind eating their seeds. In deserts, a rodent searches for shrubs and other possible plants to use for its stems. It is worth mentioning about dwarf fat-tailed jerboas. If they are put in one terrarium, they quarrel strongly, and it happens that the strongest eats the affected. Therefore, before planting several individuals in a cage, you should find out what species your jerboa belongs to. What the animal, spread on the plain, eats, we found out. But how do those who choose to live in the highlands survive? These animals are also in search of any vegetation that may be on the peaks. The roots and green parts are used. Usually this food is enough for them to live a full life.
Animal life
If in the summer this rodent tries to find food, then in the winter he usually does not have to take care of it. At this time, he is in his prepared minks and sleeps soundly. In spring, jerboas begin weddings, and by summer offspring appear. On average, four babies are born, but in general this number varies from 1 to 8. And what does the jerboat eat until it can find food on its own? At first, the mother takes care of the baby, providing it with milk, but after a few days the baby can switch to herbal nutrition and even to insects (of course, if this species uses protein in this form).
